“Being a young person in South Africa has been incredibly challenging for me. From my own experiences, I’ve learned to be resilient in the face of adversity. Failing matric and spending five years trying to pass was a tough period where I encountered many difficulties accessing opportunities, and I felt depressed and lost hope. However, engaging with civil society and participating in leadership programs like Activate Change Drivers, International Citizen Services, and the Young African Leadership Initiative opened my eyes to success and possibilities beyond my struggles. Today, I’m proud to have overcome these challenges, holding an Honours Degree and pursuing a Master’s degree. This journey has taught me that when we engage with young people, it’s crucial to provide a comprehensive support package that addresses all aspects of their challenges. This includes mental health, HIV, unemployment, and gender-based violence, among others. Young people are often at the center of these issues and remain vulnerable to social ills. Ensuring their wellbeing means helping them cope with mental health challenges, connecting them to opportunities for employment, training, and learning, and supporting them in becoming active and engaged citizens. To help youth reach their full potential and seize opportunities, we need to engage various ecosystems and create integrated support systems that empower them to thrive. We need to empathize with them, avoid making their situations worse, and offer hope. Many young people, especially those from poor backgrounds, struggle to find hope for a better life due to the harsh realities of our country and communities. They need hope and the spirit of resilience to face their challenges.”