In the lead-up to South Africa’s 2024 elections, OneVoice South Africa (OVSA) and its partners launched an inspiring, high-energy Civic Education journey designed to engage, educate, and empower young people to find and raise their voices, shaping their vision of an “ideal world.”

This dynamic initiative moved beyond traditional approaches, embracing the power of Arts-Based Research (ABR) to capture the depth and complexity of young people’s lived experiences. By integrating creative expression as a powerful communication tool, participants were encouraged to explore and share their emotions, stories, and perspectives in ways that go beyond words alone.

Two key components of the project involved participants recording one-minute audio narratives, candidly speaking about the serious issues affecting youth in South Africa today – from unemployment and lack of education opportunities to gender-based violence and mental health struggles – to creating a ‘Butterflies for Transformation’ mobile as part of an exhibition at the KZNSA Art Gallery in Durban –  their voices called to be heard, as they demanded action and accountability from government leaders.

The project reached a diverse group of young people across different sectors:

• 50% were Technical and Vocational Education and Training College (TVET) College students,
• 30% were Grade 11 high school learners, and
• 20% were out-of-school youth and NEET youth (not in employment, education, or training).

Through this inclusive and creative civic education campaign, OVSA and FES helped young people step into their power as active citizens, ready to influence decisions that shape their future—and their country.