We're trekking to Machu Picchu.

Six adults, of varying levels of fitness(!), will be tackling the climb to Machu Picchu this summer in aid of Future First.

The Future First mission is about tapping into the strengths of every local community, all over the world, to help every young person fulfil their potential.

Social mobility in the UK is lower than in all other OECD countries. In Britain, a young person’s potential earnings are more likely to be determined by their parents’ earnings than any other factor. This lack of social mobility prevents people from fulfilling their potential. Research has found that nearly half of state school students don’t think they will be successful in the world of work and more than a quarter of young people from the poorest homes believe that “people like me don’t succeed in life”. Relatable career role models from local communities can help change this.

Future First's international arm is working to tackle this inequality in countries all over the world, learning from best practice in schools in Africa, Europe, Asia and South America in order to advise schools and governments on how best to build a sustainable network of engaged alumni volunteers.

Future First is already doing an amazing job of tackling those statistics, and, with your support, can do even more.

Team Stories

Sally Nelson: I was first drawn to a role in Human Resources nearly 30 years ago and more recently compelled to take on the role of Trustee at Future First, as I am totally fascinated by the challenge and the reward associated with unlocking human potential and seeing how people can go from good to great in their lives and in their careers as they work out their strengths and their passions, build on early experiences and strive to become the very best that they can be in their chosen field....As William Shakespeare once famously said "Lord we may know what we are, but know not what we may be..." - to do this everyone can use a little help and encouragement and to be inspired by role models around them. Future First realised this need to start early and their whole focus is on helping young people get connected with the world of work whilst still at school, whatever their social background, through alumni networks that they can personally access and relate to. Please help us to help even more prospective school leavers become inspired about what they can grow up to be in the future and as we take on our own personal 72km climb in Peru at altitude, help them to kick start their own important journeys to the top.

Megan Clatworthy: I’m so proud to be part of the Future First team and the work we do every day. It’s so important that every young person, regardless of background, has the confidence and self-belief to aim high – as well as access to networks of relatable people that can help them get there. Apparently donkeys have to pick up anyone that isn’t fit enough to complete the trek… I’m the most likely of the group to be that person, but absolutely determined not to be!

Debbie Penglis: It’s now been six months since I was asked whether I wanted to trek to Machu Picchu to help raise money for the young people that we support. Now that we’re just two months away, I’m more daunted but excited than ever, and can’t wait to get going. I feel really lucky as I get to work with the young people that Future First supports every day, and so I know (first hand) how much any sponsorship can enrich the lives of the young people most in need of support.

Susannah Hacon: When Sally first mentioned a trek to Machu Picchu last year I thought it sounded thrilling and exciting - what an adventure!  Now just a couple of months away it feels extremely daunting and a huge challenge, did I really say yes to this?  I am delighted however to be able to support the work of Future First by joining Sally and the team; by reaching our goal we will be helping many young people aim high too.

Phil and Ginny Cluff: What an opportunity this is!! Not only as a personal challenge, but also to know that we are raising money to support an extremely worthwhile cause that helps young people feel more informed about their career choices. Go, Team Nelson!!