Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) proudly celebrates six remarkable young people from our networks who sat for their matric exams in 2025, and every single one passed, with several earning distinctions. Their academic success is a testament to resilience, determination, and the support of families, communities, and partners who believe in children’s rights.
But their achievements extend far beyond the classroom. These young leaders have become powerful advocates for children’s rights, climate justice, and active citizenship. From representing youth voices at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, COP29 in Baku, and the UN’s High-Level Political Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in New York, to serving in the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament across South Africa, amplifying perspectives on community radio, and contributing to global reports for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), they are shaping policy and inspiring change.
At SCSA, we believe children are not just beneficiaries of change, they are agents of change. Active citizenship means that children understand their rights, raise their voices, and participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives and communities. When children are empowered to lead, they bring fresh perspectives, challenge inequality, and help build a more just society.
Through our capacity‑building programmes, these learners have been trained on child rights and treaty bodies, mobilised peers into children’s networks, and created spaces where young voices are heard. We provide children with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to engage with policymakers, advocate for climate justice, and champion the rights of their peers. This support ensures that children are not only prepared for academic success but also equipped to become future leaders who drive social change.
Their journey reminds us that while many learners face hardships, poverty, inequality, and neglect, children can thrive when given the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to lead. Together, we are raising a generation that not only succeeds academically but also drives change locally and globally.
With heartfelt thanks to our supporters, we celebrate the Class of 2025: a generation of leaders, advocates, and changemakers.
