Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty to Launch Charity Enhancing Numeracy Skills in England

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty have announced plans to establish a charity dedicated to enhancing mathematics and numeracy skills among children and young people across England.

Named "The Richmond Project," after their home and Sunak's North Yorkshire parliamentary constituency of Richmond and Northallerton, the initiative marks the couple's first significant joint venture since Sunak stepped down as Prime Minister in 2023. Both aged 44, Sunak and Murty revealed their intentions to launch the charity later this year, with formal registration as a charitable organization forthcoming.

Transforming Lives Through Confidence in Numbers​

Announcing the initiative on social media, Sunak emphasized the transformative power of numeracy skills, stating, "Confidence with numbers transforms lives. It unlocks opportunity, fuels social mobility, and helps people thrive. But right now, too many struggle. More to come soon."

Murty echoed these sentiments on her Instagram, highlighting the widespread impact of low numeracy in the UK, where half of all working-age adults struggle with basic mathematical skills. She noted, "Maths anxiety is real, but opportunity starts with confidence. Later this year, we’re launching The Richmond Project to help more people build confidence with numbers—because we believe numeracy unlocks opportunity."

Shared Passion for Education Drives New Initiative​

Murty, daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, added that both she and Sunak have witnessed firsthand how education can dramatically alter lives. She underscored the project's early stage, inviting followers to stay tuned for updates.

During Sunak's tenure at Downing Street, Murty actively promoted educational engagement through her regular "Lessons at 10" initiative, allowing children from various parts of the UK to gain insights into life behind the scenes at 10 Downing Street.

Building on Previous Educational Efforts​

The Richmond Project aligns closely with Sunak’s earlier initiatives aimed at bolstering mathematics education. As Prime Minister in 2023, Sunak initiated a review to encourage students in England to study mathematics up to the age of 18, aiming to shift the nation away from an "anti-maths mindset" that he believed restricted its potential.

Sunak had also previously expanded Maths Hubs, collaborative networks of schools and colleges dedicated to improving mathematics teaching standards throughout the country.

Expanding Philanthropic Engagement​

In addition to The Richmond Project, Sunak recently took on another charitable role as an ambassador for UK's Prostate Cancer Research, advocating strongly for a national targeted screening program for the disease, currently the most prevalent cancer in the UK.

Earlier in January, Sunak also assumed academic positions at prestigious institutions, the University of Oxford in the UK and Stanford University in the US, reflecting his continued commitment to public service and education.