Collaboration continues to be a driving imperative in the philanthropy sector thus informing and reinforcing IPASA’s work in helping funders to collectively address the many deep complex problems our country is facing. It is essential that collaboration between different stakeholders is ramped up for all initiatives, but especially for youth in South Africa, considering the vast challenges our youth face particularly with our escalating education and unemployment crisis.
The youth today are more purpose-driven than ever before; passionate about making a positive impact on the world and actively engaging in and driving social change through bold experimentation, developing innovative solutions, and engaging in participatory processes. Recognising the power of youth in contributing to philanthropy is crucial. By tapping into their unique skills and perspectives, we can drive transformative changes and shape the future of philanthropy.
Those currently working in the philanthropy sector need to create an environment that cultivates a new generation of philanthropy givers and leaders. We need to promote and encourage youth to actively participate in philanthropy through offering guidance, education, networking, and mentoring opportunities as well as creating platforms where their voices can be heard. This will equip them with the skills, networks, and connections, which together with their innovative mindset will empower them to become the next generation of philanthropy leaders.
Philanthropy plays a crucial role in empowering our youth through a range of impactful education, skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership development initiatives. IPASA strives to showcase some of these initiatives to highlight and promote how strong partnerships and bold innovative funding practice can transform philanthropy and achieve maximum impact.
Investing in the development of our youth, the future generation, is crucial for shaping the future of our country. It enables us to amplify diverse perspectives, address systemic barriers, build skills, and catalyse positive social change. By investing in young people, philanthropy can foster a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient society.
