Growing Africa’s Future -Elizabeth Maanda Sianga
Youth Activists come in all shapes and sizes with their passion deeply rooted in various industries to help secure a brighter future for the…
#YouthWyzeSkills #YouthWyzeHealth
#YouthWyzeEarth
#YouthBuiltDemocracy
SAT programmes with adolescent and young Africans to grow their capacity, their agency, and their opportunities to realise their rights, unlock their full potential, and have a significant role and impact in development for inclusive and sustainable societies, economies, and environments in Africa.
WHO ARE WE
SAT is a 35yr old regional NGO focused in Southern Africa but with programming extending into East and West Africa, and advocacy at EAC, SADC, Continental and global levels. With offices in South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, SAT coordinates a network of activist staff, volunteers, alumni and partners all focused on empowering young Africans to change their lives and improve Africa.
SAT’s 5 AREAS OF FOCUS
CONFIDENCE AGENCY & LEADERSHIP – through mentorship and in spaces – YouthHubs – young people can connect, share experiences, collaborate, and motivate one another to be more proactive in their own lives, and active in their communities.
BUILDING GOOD HEALTH – which we do through life skills education, enhancing their agency to make better decisions about their health, especially their sexual and reproductive and mental health, and supporting key service providers including governments to improve supply side services.
WORK PREPAREDNESS & ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT – by providing structured volunteer opportunities – currently in health systems – that simultaneously give them life/work skills such as computer use, public speaking and presentations, report writing, as well as team work, punctuality, financial literacy, and leadership (see more below on leadership). SAT plans in 2025 to formalize these skills and competence transfers into a more codified ‘curriculum’ for learning.
AWARENESS & ACTIVISM IN CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY – This work is just beginning in SAT YouthHubs, and will increasingly be oriented towards youth participation in climate solutions, including environmental conservation, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, while also working to raise awareness of the climate crisis among young people to achieve a more resilient future.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & DEMOCRACY BUILDING – again being formalized in 2025 – help to cultivate a sense of responsibility and influence in young people, to help them become leaders in their own communities and advocates at local, continental and global levels for their rights. Civic engagement in advocacy, social norms nudging, youth representation and social accountability/youth-led monitoring is designed not only to enhance their sense of connectedness and purpose, but to build the competence to lead social innovation, and to strengthen democratic practices and engagement with governing. The latter is our #YouthBuiltDemocracy project.
IN THE NEWS
COUNTRY: MALAWI
CSOs Youth-Led Joint Review and Submission for Malawi Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Report
COUNTRY: BOTSWANA
SAT Botswana engages primary school learners on GBV, Sexuality and Family Dynamics during health talks
COUNTRY: MOZAMBIQUE
Break Free! Training the Next Generation of Changemakers
COUNTRY: BOTSWANA
Month of Youth Against AIDS: Parents tackle cultural taboos, shame and lack of communication when speaking with adolescents about sex
Why We Care About Climate Change and Sustainability
#YouthWyzeEarth
Climate change isn’t just something happening far away or in the future – it’s already hitting us right here, right now. From rising heat and water shortages to floods, droughts and crop failures, Africa is one of the regions most at risk. And guess what? It’s our generation that’s going to feel the biggest impact.
Young people already face tough challenges: finding jobs, affording school, accessing healthcare. Now climate change is making it harder. Farms are producing less food, power cuts are getting worse because of droughts, and extreme weather is damaging homes, schools and hospitals. This affects everything – our health, our education, even our chances to build a future. Our future needs clean air, clean rivers, clean oceans, biodiversity, and sustainable agricultural land.
But it’s not just doom and gloom. We’re also the generation that is doing something about it. Young people are leading climate movements, using tech to track changes in the environment, and pushing for real change in our communities. If we act now – together – we can protect our communities, our families, and our futures, and make sure our voices are heard in the fight for climate justice.
This is our climate, our continent, our future. Let’s take the lead.
Your Future, Your Hustle: Getting Ready for Work and Economic Opportunity
#YouthWyzeSkills
Let’s be real – getting a job or starting a hustle isn’t easy. But the truth is, now’s the time to start building the skills, confidence, and mindset you’ll need to thrive. Whether you want to launch your own business, find a job you care about, or make change in your community, being ready matters.
The world is changing fast – climate, tech, jobs, everything. Employers are looking for people who can solve problems, think creatively, show up on time, and work with others. That means learning doesn’t stop in school – you’ve got to stay sharp, stay curious, and stay ready. Even small things like learning to communicate better, manage your time, or write a great CV can open big doors.
And remember: you don’t need to wait for someone to hand you a chance. You can create your own. Volunteering, joining youth programs, learning new skills online, starting a side hustle – all of this counts. Every step you take now is an investment in your future.
You’ve got the energy, the ideas, and the power to shape what’s next. So build your skills, find your passion, and get ready – because the future belongs to those who show up for it.
Powering Your Future with Good Health
#YouthWyzeHealth
Your health is your foundation – it’s what keeps you going, chasing your goals, showing up for your people, and building your future. As young Africans, we need to take our health seriously – because no one can do it for us.
That means more than just avoiding illness. It’s about knowing your body, protecting your mental health, and making smart choices – especially when it comes to sexual and reproductive health. Things like using protection and contraception, going for check-ups, asking questions without shame, and understanding your rights are not extra – they’re essential.
Too many young people face unplanned pregnancies, STIs, or sexual violence – not because they’re careless, but because they didn’t have the right info, support, or access to services. That’s got to change. And it starts with us knowing that our bodies matter, our choices matter, and we deserve to be healthy, safe, and in control of our futures.
Taking care of your health doesn’t make you weak – it makes you powerful. Stay informed, stay protected, and speak up. Your health is your right – and your future depends on it.
Your Voice Counts: Why Young People Are Showing Up and Speaking Out
#YouthBuiltDemocracy
You’re not just the future – you’re the now. The decisions being made today about education, jobs, climate, health, and justice affect your life right now. That’s why it’s so important for young people to be part of the conversation – and the solution.
Too often, youth voices are ignored or brushed aside. But the truth is, no one understands the struggles of young people better than us. From unemployment and gender inequality to poor healthcare and unsafe communities – these are our issues. We don’t need hand-me-down solutions from people who don’t live our realities. We need youth-friendly policies, safe spaces, digital platforms, and leaders who listen.
That starts with civic engagement – speaking up, organizing, voting, holding leaders accountable, and making sure young people are represented wherever decisions are being made. Whether you’re joining a youth council, starting a campaign, using your social media for good, or just staying informed – it all matters.
Leadership isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you grow into. And the more we show up, the more we shape the future we want. So step in. Speak out. Represent. The world won’t change for us – unless it’s changed by us.
Build Your Own Life Through Confidence, Agency & Direction
#YouthWyze
As young people in Southern Africa, we’re navigating a world that can be overwhelming – from social pressures and economic stress to global issues like climate and inequality. But here’s the truth: you are not powerless. You have a voice, a story, and the ability to shape your own life.
Agency means making choices that reflect who you are and what you want – not just going along with what others expect. It’s about asking questions, making decisions for your body, your future, your dreams – and knowing you deserve to be in control of all of that. Finding your own direction doesn’t mean having all the answers, but it does mean tuning into what matters to you, and taking small steps that move you closer.
And while confidence and resilience are important, so is connectedness. You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Your story is part of something bigger – a generation that’s rising, finding its power, and showing up for each other. Whether it’s through friendship, community, or joining youth programs, you can find strength and clarity in being seen and supported.
So believe in your ability to decide, to lead, to grow. Your voice counts. Your dreams matter. Your life story is still unfolding – and it’s yours to write.
