Supporting the next generation to shape South Australia’s future
How do you create lasting impact for children and young people across South Australia? You bring together those who know best, then listen and learn!
Firefly Children’s Foundation is proud to partner with Young Changemakers Network SA – a program that empowers young people to turn their ideas into action and help shape the future of their communities.
Led by the Commissioner for Children and Young People South Australia (CCYP), the program brings together 45 young people aged 14 -17 from metropolitan, regional and remote communities across the state.
The Changemakers Summit, held on Friday 26 June, officially kicked off the program, which will see participants working with mentors, community partners and decision-makers over the coming months to develop campaigns on issues they care deeply about, from mental health and wellbeing to climate, homelessness and cost of living.
As a partner, Firefly is supporting participants to better understand how community initiatives are funded, how ideas move from concept to reality, and how positive change can be created in local communities.
Firefly Children’s Foundation Marketing Manager Ali Valentine says young people bring valuable insight, creativity and lived experience to the challenges facing our communities today.
“At Firefly Children’s Foundation, we’re passionate about improving the lives of children through research, and we believe the best outcomes happen when young people are actively involved in shaping the solutions that affect them,” Ali said.
“Through this partnership, we have an exciting opportunity to learn directly from the next generation about the issues that matter most to them and the changes they want to see.
“Those insights will help shape Firefly’s future impact grant-making, ensuring young people’s perspectives continue to inform initiatives that support children and young people across South Australia.”
The partnership with CCYP aligns closely with Firefly Children’s Foundation’s mission to create meaningful, long-term impact for children and families.
“Through this partnership, we’re not only supporting young people to turn their ideas into action, but also learning directly from them about the issues that matter most and the change they want to see,” Ali said.
“We’re passionate about improving the lives of children through research, and we believe the best outcomes happen when young people are actively involved in shaping the solutions that affect them.
“This program provides a valuable opportunity for young people to build new skills, understand how community projects are funded and gain the confidence to turn their ideas into impact – and we can’t wait to hear the ideas that will spark positive change across South Australia.”
