The Commissioner for Children and Young People South Australia is pleased to announce a new partnership with Firefly Children’s Foundation to support the inaugural Young Changemakers Network SA.
The partnership will help young people build practical skills, understand how community impact projects are funded and explore real-world pathways for turning ideas into action.
Formerly known as the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation, Firefly Children’s Foundation will work alongside participants throughout the year and support the Young Changemakers Summit, helping young people learn how ideas become action and how positive change is created in communities.
Commissioner for Children and Young People Dr Kylie Heneker said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring children and young people are actively involved in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.
“Both the Commissioner and Firefly Children’s Foundation believe children and young people have valuable insights, ideas and aspirations that can help create better outcomes for our communities.”
“Through the Young Changemakers Network, young people will have opportunities to turn their ideas into action, connect with decision-makers and contribute to positive change in their communities. Partnerships like this help ensure their contributions are recognised, supported and capable of creating lasting impact.”
As part of the partnership, insights gathered from participating young people will also help inform Firefly Children’s Foundation’s future impact grant-making, creating another pathway for young people’s perspectives to influence outcomes for children and young people across South Australia.
Firefly Children’s Foundation Marketing and Fundraising Manager Ali Valentine said the organisation was proud to support a program that places young people at the centre of creating positive change.
“At Firefly Children’s Foundation, we’re passionate about improving the lives of children through research, and we believe the best outcomes happen when young people are actively involved in shaping the solutions that affect them.”
“This program provides a valuable opportunity for young people to develop new skills, explore how community projects are funded and gain the confidence to turn their ideas into impact.”
“We’re excited to support the next generation of changemakers and to learn from their experiences and perspectives. The insights shared through this program will help inform our future impact grant-making and strengthen our commitment to creating better outcomes for children and young people across South Australia.”
The Young Changemakers Network SA brings together 45 young people aged 14–17 from across South Australia to work on youth-led campaigns focused on the issues that matter most to them and their communities.
