Youth Development Re-imagined

Lucha Lunako is at the forefront of revolutionising youth development, envisioning a future where young individuals leverage their agency and skills to access sustainable opportunities and build aspirational careers. Amidst rising unemployment rates in South Africa, particularly among youth, Lucha Lunako stands as a beacon of hope, offering innovative solutions and holistic frameworks to address the root causes of this pressing issue.

In their groundbreaking publication, “Youth Development Re-imagined,” Lucha Lunako provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing youth in South Africa, where unemployment rates have soared to record highs. With a staggering 58.2% unemployment rate among those aged 15 to 24, and one in three young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET), the urgency to redefine youth development approaches becomes apparent.

The report highlights the significant investments made by the government, private sector, civil society, and philanthropic actors in youth development programs, yet underscores the limited impact of these interventions in curbing youth unemployment. Against this backdrop, Lucha Lunako presents a visionary framework aimed at shifting the needle on youth development.

Outlined in the report are key success factors derived from past and current efforts, emphasising the importance of holistic, intentional, and high-quality programs. The framework proposed by Lucha Lunako advocates for a more profound emphasis on foundational development, including addressing trauma, alongside technical training and workplace readiness programs.

Central to the framework are three core constructs: “I have it,” focusing on self-development; “You have it,” emphasizing community and relational aspects; and “Youth have it,” centring on skills necessary for economic participation. By integrating socioemotional skills alongside technical competencies, Lucha Lunako proposes a more thoughtful and collaborative ecosystem approach to youth development.

As South Africa grapples with the challenges of youth unemployment, Lucha Lunako’s report serves as a clarion call for stakeholders across sectors to embrace innovative strategies and collaborative efforts. With a vision for empowered youth driving societal change, Lucha Lunako offers a roadmap towards a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

All information & rights are accredited to https://www.luchalunako.com/, created & written by Lucha Lunako, titled “Youth Development Re-imagined”. For more documents & toolkits by Lucha Lunako, please visit https://www.luchalunako.com/publications/