Collaboration, Coffee, and Collective Magic: Inside Our First In-Person Collaboration Junction of 2025
Picture this: It’s a crisp Thursday morning in Braamfontein. The elevator doors open onto the 5th floor of the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator offices, and the air already carries the buzz of something special. Coffee cups are clinking, name tags are being pinned, and around the room are some of the boldest minds in youth development, all ready to connect, collaborate, and co-create.
This was Collaboration Junction, YD Co-Lab’s first in-person gathering of 2025—and it was nothing short of electric.Â
Why We Gathered
Collaboration Junction is a space where purpose meets possibility, and where cross-sector connections can turn into catalytic action. Designed by and for the youth development ecosystem, it’s where NPOs, funders, practitioners, and solution-builders come together to share ideas, highlight their work, and build meaningful partnerships.
Each Collaboration Junction creates space for learning, listening, and linking—the four pillars we believe drive true transformation. Whether you’re there to share, to spotlight, or simply to connect, the Junction is a platform that prioritises action over talk and community over silos. It’s a space for building the future, together.
Meet the Changemakers
Every great story has its heroes, and this Junction had four: our Spotlight Organisations, who brought the house down with powerful insights and passionate presentations:
ALX shared their vision for a digitally empowered generation, offering more than just training, but real pathways into tech careers. Visit alxafrica.com
Heartlines reminded us why storytelling matters. From their Fathers Matter programme to powerful films that stir conversation and conscience, they showed us how deeply humanity must sit at the heart of development. Visit heartlines.org.za
South African Schools Social Affairs (SASSA) spoke about their mission to raise a generation of socially conscious, informed, and proactive student leaders, starting from within the school system. Visit SASSA
National Graduate Employment Solutions (NGES) completed our spotlight lineup by shining a light on one of the most pressing challenges in the youth sector; graduate unemployment. Through free CV support, interview prep, and access to job and internship listings, NGES is helping young graduates overcome barriers to employment and take confident strides into the job market. Their mission is simple: bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. Email Albert.Malatji@ngesolution.com for more information
What You Might Have Missed (But Can Still Catch!)
📸 Check out our event gallery: https://photos.app.goo.gl/XkoxD5RzFXvQuA6EAÂ
Looking Ahead
This event was only the beginning. We’re already gearing up for more Collaboration Junctions throughout 2025—with fresh themes, new spotlight voices, and even more space to spark what’s next. 👀
🗣️ Want to be a Spotlight Organisation at a future event? Tell us your story here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmZe8BrjRwjAmzil9sWaEn3DI9-IpJG2Y-JM5yd0RtIaXZUg/viewform?usp=dialogÂ
Ready to take your involvement to the next level?
Join our network! As a YD Co-Lab member, you’ll gain access to:
- Exclusive invites to upcoming Junctions
- Early access to partnership leads and ecosystem tools
- Opportunities to be featured as a spotlight organisation
- A growing community committed to youth development
đź”— Sign up here: https://ydcolab.org.za/membership/Â
Until Next Time…
To every partner, speaker, and smiling face in the room, thank you. You made this event what it was: real, inspiring, and deeply needed. Here’s to keeping the spirit of collaboration alive until the next Junction!