The official launch of the 45 Futures Initiative took place in Schaapkraal exactly one month before Youth Day, highlighting the importance of empowering young people beyond Youth Month celebrations.
Hosted at Oasis Reach for Your Dreams, the event focused on uplifting youth through discussions around mental health, education, artificial intelligence and personal development.
The programme aimed to equip young people with knowledge, encouragement and access to opportunities that could positively influence their futures.
Breaking Barriers
Founder of the initiative, Simone Borez, said the project was inspired by her decision to celebrate a personal milestone differently.
“I recently turned 45, and instead of celebrating myself, I chose to invest in the next generation,” she said.
Borez explained that community upliftment had always been close to her heart and that the initiative was born from a desire to create hope and opportunities for young people in local communities.
She said hosting the event at Oasis Reach for Your Dreams was intentional because of the work the organisation continued to do within communities and its involvement as the home of the South African Homeless Football Team.
“Clifford and Anthea Marthinus truly have a heart for people and transformation,” she said.
Borez also shared that her involvement with the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) had strengthened her passion for youth empowerment.
Inspiring Youth
Through serving on the organisation’s Young Workers Forum and Women’s Forums, she had gained greater insight into the struggles facing many young people.
The programme covered several issues affecting youth, including mental health awareness, education pathways and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the workplace and society.
According to Borez, many young people were silently battling emotional, mental and financial challenges while feeling unable to speak openly because of stigma.
“Young people are facing silent battles mentally, emotionally and financially, and many are afraid to speak about it because of stigma,” she said.
Mental health advocate Tashwill Welcome addressed attendees on the importance of seeking help and speaking openly about emotional wellbeing.
Artificial intelligence also formed part of the discussions, with Marushka Johannes helping attendees better understand the future of technology and innovation.
Education pathways through Communiversity were also highlighted as an important tool to break the cycle of poverty and create opportunities for youth.
Borez said she hoped the event would have a lasting impact on attendees beyond the launch day itself.
“I want young people to leave feeling seen, encouraged and empowered. Even one opportunity, one conversation or one moment of belief can change someone’s future,” she said.
She added that the initiative aimed to remind young people that they had purpose and value regardless of their circumstances.
Community Support
Borez acknowledged that many young people in communities continued to struggle with unemployment, financial hardship, mental pressure and limited opportunities.
Some were also forced to grow up quickly because of difficult home environments.
“This initiative aims to uplift, empower and remind them not to give up, that their background does not define their future,” she said.
She confirmed that the launch event marked only the beginning of the initiative, with plans already in place to expand the project through workshops, mentorship programmes and future community development projects.
“Definitely. This is only the beginning,” Borez said.
“The vision is to grow the 45 Futures Initiative through future workshops, mentorship programmes and community projects that continue creating opportunities and hope for young people.”
ALSO READ: Blisters for Bread Walk helps feed vulnerable learners
