Story-sharing can change a young person’s life

The Building Futures programme aims to strengthen and increase collaboration in communities such as George, where a pilot was done with 26 participants from different sectors across society.

Can we call a place home if we are not from there? Can we look different to our neighbour and still belong? Can we believe different things and still find common ground?  

South Africa’s youth are resilient, vibrant and full of potential. But beneath that resilient spirit lies a generation grappling with silent struggles. We asked some young people how they still show kindness and empathy towards others and themselves. 

Telamsile had to learn how to be herself and hold true to her values as part of a demanding career in an intense industry that doesn't always see the damage it can do in society. 

The first time I was encouraged to review my life story, I was sceptical. The idea struck me as an exercise in self-indulgent navel-gazing, even futility. What good could it do to review a past that couldn’t be changed? But I agreed to try, and what an impact it had.

We hear a lot about creating “safe spaces” in the workplace, but what do these safe spaces look like? And most importantly, how do we do it?