What does leadership look like?
For many people, leadership is associated with adults, professionals, or people in positions of power. But at Earthchild Project, we see leadership taking shape among young people every day.
This Youth Month, three of our young leaders, Devardo, Aqeel and Mackenzie, are showing what youth leadership can look like in action. Together, they form the Gen A Changemakers, a group of young people committed to creating positive change in their communities. Rather than waiting for someone else to solve the challenges they see around them, they have chosen to step forward and make a difference themselves.
As winter settles across Cape Town, many families are facing increasing financial pressure through food insecurity and a lack of warm clothing make the colder months particularly difficult for vulnerable households. Recognising this need, the Gen A Changemakers have launched a winter fundraising campaign to support families across the Cape Flats.
Their goal is to raise R30,000, which will be converted into supermarket gift cards for families identified through local schools and community networks. These gift cards will allow recipients to purchase the food, clothing and household essentials that they need most.
Alongside the fundraising effort, donation drives at participating schools are also collecting non-perishable food, toiletries, clothing, toys and other essential items for Heaven’s Nest Children’s Home.
We are particularly proud that this campaign is driven by the young leaders themselves. Devardo, Aqeel and Mackenzie understand the realities many families face because they are part of these communities. Their campaign is rooted in empathy and a desire to create positive change where they live.
At Earthchild Project, we believe that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are leaders today. The Gen A Changemakers embody this belief. We are incredibly proud of Devardo, Aqeel and Mackenzie for turning compassion into action and inspiring others to do the same.
If you would like to support the Gen A Changemakers Winter Drive, you can contribute to their fundraising campaign and help bring warmth, dignity and hope to families this winter. Donate here!
Together, we can show what is possible when young people are empowered to lead.