Thapelo’s* journey is a testament to the transformative power of the Our Voices Matter South Africa program. Once hesitant to speak out against bullying, Thapelo found the courage to raise her voice and become a leader in her community.
Thapelo is 16 years old and lives in a suburb of Johannesburg. When she started taking part in the Our Voices Matter (OVM) program run by our staff in South Africa, she was shy and afraid to speak out about the bullying she had witnessed in her school.
But at OVM she found a safe space to share her experiences and connect with other young people who were facing similar challenges. Through workshops, mentorship, and community engagement initiatives, Thapelo gained the skills and knowledge to become a vocal advocate for change. Thapelo’s transformation from a hesitant bystander to a confident leader is a testament to the program’s impact.
“I’ve since become a leader in my community, advocating for the rights of young people like me, and I feel empowered to make a difference.”
Our Voices Matter South Africa has given Thapelo the tools and support she needs to thrive, along with a platform to make a meaningful difference in her community.
As Thapelo continues to grow and evolve as a leader, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for young people to drive positive change when have the opportunity to find their voices.
About Our Voices Matter
Our Voices Matter is a network of inspirational young people from the countries that Hope and Homes for Children operates in. These young people come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences – many of them have spent time in orphanages or foster care, and are from communities which are facing severe challenges and difficulties.
All the young people who take part in OVM are volunteers who have come together out of concern for other children and young people in their communities.
The OVM network aims to support children to strengthen their leadership skills and empower them to bring change to their lives and communities. We’re determined that young people’s opinions should be respected, and that they have all the support they need to influence the decisions being made about their lives
Through providing mentorship, support and advice, the Our Voices Matter network is facilitating important conversations and ensuring that young people’s voices are heard.
*Names have been changed to protect identities.
