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Advocacy

Lucha Lunako is a proactive social enterprise actively tackling systemic challenges related to youth wellbeing. We do this through a combination of programmes AND advocacy work, which means we ‘tackle the problem’ from both sides: the individual and the societal. By supporting advocacy - and encouraging other stakeholders to do the same - we turbocharge our mission to address root causes of social challenges that affect youth empowerment and wellbeing.

Why advocacy matters

Addresses systemic injustices

Supports youth and their families

Promotes a high-functioning youth development environment

Aligns with Lucha Lunako’s mission to operate as a thought leader in youth wellbeing

Advocacy work is a crucial element in Lucha Lunako’s work for several reasons

The Youth Voice

To understand and support the youth of South Africa, we need to understand their story. Our Youth Voice initiative is a vehicle to capture the real life narrative of our youth, to demonstrate the exposure of our youth to societal influences through their lens. It is a mouthpiece for our participants to voice their concerns and share their experiences in the transformational journey of our youth development programmes.

Through their honest reflections and feedback, we discover the needs and potential of young South Africans – The Youth Have It! – and use their input to continually improve our programmes. We also share their stories via our social media channels to honour their developmental journey and inspire others to do the same. It is always a privilege to witness the progressive growth that our youth go through, providing them the foundations needed to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Engaging in Youth Development Ecosystems

Lucha Lunako embodies its core principle, “We need to work together,” by collaborating within the youth development ecosystem to maximize impact. A key initiative, the Youth Development Collaboration Lab (YD Co-Lab), unites organizations and individuals to advance youth empowerment through a systems-thinking approach.

As a founding member, Lucha Lunako has provided funding, executive input, and leadership to foster transparency, collaboration, and resource efficiency. With access to over 1,000 ecosystem players, YD Co-Lab strengthens smaller organizations, enabling them to scale their impact. This network is pivotal in driving systemic change and enhancing youth wellbeing in South Africa.

What is the Youth Development Ecosystem Mapping Project?

The Mapping Project provides valuable insights into how we can better support the youth in our communities. By working together, taking a holistic approach, being culturally responsive, and using data to inform our decisions, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for youth to thrive. The mapping aims to foster greater transparency among youth development stakeholders and enhance collective impact by:
  • Providing a greater understanding of who operates in the ecosystem;
  • Encouraging collaboration amongst providers;
  • Creating an awareness of opportunities in programmes on offer; Identifying programme gaps; and
  • Enabling youth to access services located in proximity to them quickly.
The Directory of Youth Development Organisations is a dynamic and growing resource showcasing organisations across South Africa. Covering key areas such as education, job creation, health, social cohesion, and more, this directory is updated annually to reflect the evolving landscape and expand its reach. Whether seeking partners, insights, or opportunities, this directory is a fantastic gateway to collective action and meaningful change.

To download a copy of the Youth Development Ecosystem Report or the Directory of Youth Development Organisations, visit: YD Co-Lab: Youth Ecosystem

Want to know how you can get involved?

Lucha Lunako thrives on collaboration to drive meaningful youth development. We call on funders, decision-makers, businesses, and citizens to take action now. Contact us to explore how you can support innovation, create impact, and drive lasting change.
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