Gold Youth Empowers Young People to Become Leaders in Their Communities

Young people have the potential to create positive change in their communities when they are given the right support, guidance and opportunities. This was the focus of a recent conversation on the Morning Cruise on Bush Radio 89.5 FM, where representatives from Gold Youth Development Agency joined the show to discuss youth empowerment, leadership development and the organisation’s Match Funding Challenge.

The interview featured ,Vusumuzi Mpofu a Gold graduate who serves as the organisation’s Marketing and Visibility Coordinator, and Anele, a lead facilitator working with schools in Kraaifontein.Gold Youth Development Agency works to equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to take charge of their futures. The organisation’s name, GOLD, stands for Generation of Leaders Discovered.During the interview, Vusumuzi explained that he had participated in the programme from Grade 9 through to Grade 12. The experience helped him develop communication and leadership skills, which he now uses in his work with the organisation.Gold Youth uses a peer-led development model that encourages young people to learn from one another, strengthen their identities, improve their educational opportunities and prepare for the world of work.According to the representatives, the organisation has reached more than 168,000 young people and created 6,000 connections to employment, study opportunities and entrepreneurship.The programme aims to help young people recognise their own worth and understand that they can contribute positively to their schools and communities.

The discussion also explored the challenges facing young people, including gangsterism, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.Anele explained that the programme creates opportunities for learners to discuss issues affecting their schools and communities. Through structured sessions and mentorship, participants learn about the possible consequences of their choices and how their decisions can affect their futures.Rather than making decisions on behalf of young people, the programme provides information and guidance to help them make informed choices.The representatives also highlighted the importance of providing young people with safe spaces where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seeking support.Vusumuzi shared how participating in the programme helped him recognise that young people can become part of the solution to the challenges facing their communities.However, the representatives acknowledged that facilitators sometimes face difficult situations when learners share personal problems that require additional support from families and other support structures.

Another key topic was Gold Youth’s Match Funding Challenge, which runs during October.The campaign encourages communities to contribute towards youth development programmes and take an active role in supporting the young people who benefit from them.Under the initiative, funds raised by communities are matched by Gold Youth on a dollar-for-dollar basis. For example, if a community raises 10 dollars, the organisation matches that amount, bringing the total to 20 dollars for programme support.The representatives explained that the campaign is particularly important at a time when many non-profit organisations are facing funding challenges.The funds raised are intended to support the peer education programme and help sustain its work in communities between 2027 and 2029.Support does not have to be financial. Community members and organisations can also contribute by offering suitable venues, camping facilities, volunteer services and assistance with transport for programme activities. These non-financial contributions are welcomed, although they are not included in the matched funding.The campaign aims to encourage communities to invest in their own development and help make youth programmes more sustainable.Gold Youth operates across six African countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, Malawi and Botswana.The organisation works with communities and partners to provide young people with opportunities to develop leadership skills and prepare for their futures.During the interview, the representatives encouraged listeners to become involved in youth development, whether by supporting activities in their communities, volunteering their services or helping raise awareness about the organisation’s work.They also encouraged the public to follow Gold Youth Development Agency and its country-specific platforms on social media to learn more about its programmes and campaigns.

The conversation ended with a reminder that investing in young people means investing in the future of communities across Africa.For Gold Youth, youth development is about more than teaching leadership skills. It is about helping young people recognise their value, make informed decisions and understand that they have a role to play in creating positive change.Listeners who would like to support the Match Funding Challenge can follow Gold Youth Development Agency on its social media platforms and enquire about ways to contribute financially or through community involvement.The interview highlighted an important message: when young people are given the right tools and support, they can become leaders who help build stronger communities.

Catch more inspiring conversations with community leaders, organisations and change-makers on the Morning Cruise on Bush Radio 89.5 FM.

Written by Esethu Thetha