Fight for Peace International

Fight for Peace International is a registered charitable organisation in England and Wales (Charity number 1137636) dedicated to empowering young people and promoting peace in communities affected by violence and social disadvantage. The organisation combines boxing, martial arts, education, and personal development to support youth in reaching their full potential.

History

Fight for Peace was founded in 2000 by British amateur boxer Luke Dowdney in the Complexo da Maré, a deprived favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Initially established as a small boxing club aimed at engaging youth involved in crime and violence, it grew into an organisation addressing broader social issues through sport and education. The original centre included training facilities, classrooms, and an IT suite, broadening its outreach beyond sport alone. In 2008, the first Fight for Peace centre in the United Kingdom opened in London’s Newham area, marking the organisation's expansion beyond Brazil. Since then, Fight for Peace has extended its reach with programmes and partnerships in multiple countries around the world.

Mission and Approach

Fight for Peace international focuses on supporting young people to overcome barriers rooted in violence, social inequality, and lack of opportunity. The charity operates with a holistic methodology known as the "Five Pillars," which integrates boxing and martial arts training with personal development, education, mentorship, and vocational training. This approach aims to promote inclusion, develop skills, and strengthen young people’s agency as positive change-makers in their communities.

Activities at its main locations, such as the Academy in Newham, UK, combine sport with educational and personal growth programmes, creating a safe and supportive environment for youth development. The organisation also implements an Alumni Programme providing capacity building and consultancy services to community organisations working with youth affected by crime and violence globally.

Strategic Focus

Fight for Peace operates through three primary strategic focuses:

• Direct Youth Engagement: Running academies where young people participate in integrated support programmes covering sport, education, and personal development.
• The Fight for Peace Alliance: A global network that shares expertise, training, and resources with community-based partners to enhance youth-focused interventions.
• Collective Impact: Collaborating with diverse organisations and services to coordinate efforts preventing violence and supporting youth wellbeing in targeted communities.

Impact and Reach

In 2023, Fight for Peace’s London Academy provided services to thousands of young people. The organisation works directly and through trained partners and allies in countries including Brazil, the UK, Jamaica, and others. Over more than two decades, Fight for Peace has supported youth affected by crime and violence, helping transform communities through its unique blend of sport and social development.

Governance and Funding

Fight for Peace International is managed by a board of trustees and employs staff and volunteers who deliver its programmes and maintain operational functions. The charity balances expenditure between current programme delivery and securing resources for future beneficiaries. Its funding includes charitable donations, grants, and income generated from affiliated ventures such as LUTA Sportswear, a brand whose profits partly support the organisation.

Fight for Peace International continues to innovate and expand its work, fostering peace and opportunity for young people in challenging environments worldwide.

[1] https://fightforpeace.net [2] https://fightforpeace.net/about-us/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1137636&subid=0 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5011667/governance [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight_For_Peace