Case Study: Neftaly’s Youth Engagement Initiative – 16 December 2015
Background:
On 16 December 2015, Neftaly (Say ‘Yes’ to Professionalism) reached 28,744 young people across South Africa in a landmark youth empowerment initiative. This program was executed in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) and Comic Relief, reflecting a collaborative effort to promote life skills, leadership, and personal development among the nation’s youth.
Objective:
The initiative aimed to:
- Equip young people with practical life skills and guidance for personal and professional growth.
- Foster a culture of positive decision-making and self-development.
- Inspire hope and resilience among youth from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Implementation:
The program involved a combination of:
- Interactive workshops focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
- Motivational talks by youth role models and facilitators trained by Neftaly.
- Community engagement activities that encouraged active participation and peer learning.
The sessions were designed to be highly participatory, ensuring that every young person had the opportunity to engage, reflect, and set personal goals for growth.
Impact:
- 28,744 youth reached, with measurable improvements in confidence, leadership awareness, and career readiness.
- Participants reported a stronger sense of self-efficacy and motivation to contribute positively to their communities.
- Strengthened collaboration between youth-focused NGOs and corporate partners, establishing a model for future large-scale youth engagement initiatives.
Partnership Significance:
- The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund provided credibility and reach, leveraging its network to access young people nationwide.
- Comic Relief’s support enabled scaling of the initiative and ensured sustainability of resources for workshops and materials.
- Neftaly’s expertise in youth development and interactive facilitation created a transformative experience that went beyond traditional outreach.
Conclusion:
The 16 December 2015 initiative demonstrated the power of collaboration, innovation, and youth-centered programming. By bringing together over 28,000 young South Africans, Neftaly, NMCF, and Comic Relief created a lasting impact, empowering a generation with the skills, mindset, and inspiration to shape their futures positively.

