Hope and Homes for Children’s Our Voices Matter (OVM) Program was created to empower young people by creating a platform for their voices to be heard. We wanted to create a safe space for them to talk about whatever they like, and give them the chance to have their voices and opinions listened to, respected and amplified.
For far too long, decisions concerning young people’s futures have been made without their input, leading to policies and programs that often fail to address their needs or reflect their experiences. By centring young people’s voices and stories, the program seeks to disrupt this status quo and create a more just and equitable society.
We have OVM programmes running in each of the countries we operate in, and in the this blog Sipho, a young person from South Africa, talks about the impact it has made for them:
“I feel deeply grateful and privileged to have been a part of the Our Voices Matter program. Not everyone in my community has the opportunity to participate in such a life-changing initiative, and I recognise the value of this experience.
“The OVM program provided me with a powerful platform to raise my voice on issues that affect us as young people. It taught me to look at things from different perspectives, engage with my peers, and most importantly, it showed me that I have the power to make my future and society better.
“One of the sessions that resonated with me the most was when we wrote letters to the government and stakeholders. This experience taught me that if I want to create change in my society, it is possible. No matter how young I am, my voice can be heard. This realisation was empowering and has stayed with me since. I cherished the opportunity to work together with other children, engage in discussions, and sometimes debate on various topics.
“Collaborating with others from different backgrounds and places was the highlight of my OVM experience. We learned from each other, shared our experiences, and formed lasting bonds.
“The camp that took place in December was an unforgettable experience. Through fun activities, I engaged with other children, made new friends, and deepened my connections with others. This experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, communication, and collective action in creating positive change.
The OVM program has had a profound impact on my life. It has:
- Empowered me to speak out on issues that matter to me
- Taught me the value of teamwork and collaboration
- Shown me that my voice can be heard, regardless of my age
- Provided a platform for me to engage with others and build meaningful relationships
- Inspired me to become an active agent of change in my community
“I am grateful for the OVM program and the opportunities it has provided me. I will carry the lessons and experiences with me for the rest of my life, and I am excited to continue making a positive impact in my community.”
