Executive Summary The YouCount 2018 Survey Report provides a holistic picture of the ACTIVATE! Network in South Africa. The A! Network, which currently consists of more than 2 500 young people, is a network of diverse individuals in communities who are driving positive social, political and economic change through a range of social tools and methodologies. At the core of the A! Network’s change philosophy is a strong belief to provide young people with a provocative platform to meet, connect and be inspired to actively contribute to the common good, to strengthen and develop their abilities and skills set. Once they receive this platform, THEN they can be innovative and active citizens who can drive positive social, economic, and political change for South Africa and the global good. This statement of intent rests on the foundation of a network to allow both intra-connections and inter-connections among young people and other members of communities.
At the core of the A! Network’s change philosophy is a strong belief to provide young people with a provocative platform to meet, connect and be inspired to actively contribute to the common good, to strengthen and develop their abilities and skills set. The YouCount 2018 Report is the second report where almost the same set of indicators were tested across the A! Network. The 2018 Report further cements the view that the interventions under the ACTIVATE! Change Drivers programmes to young people in South Africa are affecting young people in both rural and urban communities considerably. There is a significant difference between the A! Network and the general youth of South Africa regarding social, political and economic consciousness. In the absence of plausible exclusive issues to the youth, the results found that the differences in some aspects of the indicators are attributable to the ACTIVATE! Programme.
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This report further posits that the level of political consciousness among Activators (members of the A! Network) is high and their level of involvement in socio-economic activities in South Africa is deepening and extensive. The youth is progressing well in civic duties, active citizenry, and being pro-social. Although these Activators’ activities in communities are commendable, there is room for improvement to create sustainable pathways at both the personal and community level. This improvement would require further reflection by programme employees on how ACTIVATE! could support the effective growth of Activators in the depth of their work and sustainability in light of the dynamic global socio-economic order.
There is a significant difference between the A! Network and the general youth of South Africa regarding social, political and economic consciousness.