In South Africa, a country where youth face a crisis of unemployment and uncertainty about their future, committed leaders are emerging to transform this reality.
One of them is Lebo, Program Director at Young Aspiring Thinkers, a social enterprise in educational technology that connects young people with opportunities for academic and professional growth.
Her mission is clear: to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals 4 (quality education) and 8 (decent work and economic growth) by providing guidance and support to students so they can build a path toward a better future.
The anxiety of a generation
Lebo understands firsthand the emotions young people in South Africa experience. In a context marked by unemployment, poverty, and uncertainty, anxiety and lack of identity are predominant feelings.
“It is very important that young people learn to recognize anxiety, differentiate it from fear, and understand how it impacts their lives. Many are stressed because they don’t really know who they are or where they are going,” she explains.
Education with emotional health
Although educational systems often focus on academic performance, Lebo emphasizes the urgency of integrating emotional support and mental health into daily education.
“It’s not enough to talk about mental health occasionally. It has to be daily, incorporated into educational practice, so that children learn to be empathetic, kind, calm, and able to regulate their emotions,” she asserts.
For her, true social transformation will come not only from providing economic opportunities but also from teaching young people to manage their emotions and strengthen their resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
A call for global action
Lebo stresses that this change is not only necessary in South Africa but worldwide:
“It would be wonderful if governments and global institutions took mental health seriously and were more proactive in ensuring it is incorporated into educational systems.”
Her vision is clear: a sustainable future requires young people prepared not only with technical knowledge but also with emotional competencies that allow them to navigate the complexity of today’s world.
A voice that inspires hope
Lebo’s work with Young Aspiring Thinkers represents a beacon of innovation and commitment amid a complex context. Her leadership seeks not only to open doors to education and decent work but also to instill the importance of emotional well-being at every step of the journey.
Watch the full interview with Lebo on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPOVeOACDu8/
Lebo