CART
2024
THE JA! PROJECT
The JA! Project (Junior Advocacy Project) is a bold, learner-led movement that empowers South African youth in Grades 7–12 to become powerful voices for change in their schools, communities, and country.
From classrooms to clinics, townships to taxis, we equip young people to speak up, stand out, and step forward on the issues that affect their everyday lives—transforming concern into action and awareness into real leadership.
Whether they’re hosting anti-vape drives, championing gender justice, raising awareness about road safety, or tackling unemployment—Junior Advocates lead the charge.
OUR MISSION
To raise a generation of Future Forwarders—confident, skilled, and purpose-driven learners who:
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Lead peer-to-peer advocacy
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Drive health and justice awareness in their communities
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Build safe, connected, and opportunity-rich environments
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Learn by doing and speak truth to power
WHAT OUR
ADVOCATES
TACKLE
1. Tabacco Harm and Substance Abuse
2. Bullying and Gender Based Violence
3. Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
4. Road Safety andCommuter Safety
5. Public Health and Heart Awareness
6. Unemployment and Development
7. Food Security and Climate Resilience
WHAT OUR
ADVOCATES
TACKLE
01
Tobacco Harm &
Substance Abuse
02
Bullying and
Gender-based
Violence
03
Mental Health and
Emotional Wellbeing
04
Road Safety and
Commuter Safety
05
Public Health and
Heart Awareness
06
Unemployment and
Skills Development
07
Food Security and
Climate Resilience
THE JA! PROJECT
THE JA! PROJECT
The Junior Advocacy (JA!) Project is a vibrant, youth-driven initiative that empowers school learners across South Africa to become active changemakers in their communities.
Rooted in advocacy, leadership, and social justice, the JA! Project equips learners with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to engage with real-world issues and lead positive change starting right from their school gates.
CART
2024
HOW IT WORKS
School Sign-Up
We onboard schools across South Africa through regional outreach, district partners and direct collaboration.
School Sign-Up
Junior Advocates
Are Chosen
Learners are selected through nomination or self-enrolment to represent their schools in advocacy and leadership teams.
Junior Advocates
Are Chosen
Mentorship & Training
Our trained mentors equip learners with toolkits, campaigns, and storytelling skills rooted in
real-world issues.
Mentorship And
Training
Live Activations
Junior Advocates run pledge drives, poster campaigns, awareness events, interviews, and outreach leading from the front.
Live Activations
Recognition & Growth
Advocates earn recognition badges, mentorship opportunities, JA! Points, and access to national platforms.
Recognition And
Growth
SINCE WE'VE LAUNCHED
+500
New Schools
Activated Nationwide
+400,000
Learners Reached Through Full School Advocacy & Health Activations
+100
Junior Advocates & Educator Leads Trained Across All Provices
SINCE WE'VE LAUNCHED
+500
New Schools Activated Nationwide
+400 000
Learners Reached Through
Full School Advocacy & Health Activations
+100
Junior Advocates & Educator
Leads Trained Across All Provices
"THE JA! PROJECT IS ALL ABOUT EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES."
Why It Matters
Young people aren’t the future. They’re the now.
And the challenges they face, addiction, violence, injustice, and unemployment, can’t wait.
The JA! Project is built for learners, with learners, through schools. It gives them the platform, the skills, and the mentorship to become not just informed but activated.
Our goal?
A country filled with Junior Advocates in every school, community, and home. Learners who protect our next—and build what’s next.
Who Can Join?
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Principals & Teachers who want to see learners grow
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Parents who want to raise a generation of changemakers
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Learners who are ready to stand up, speak out and lead
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Local orgs & NPOs that want to collaborate
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Government and health partners who are looking for school engagement
Be Part of the Movement
Want to bring the JA! Project to your school, district, or region?
Want to enrol your child or recommend a learner?
We’d love to connect with you.
Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.
Be Part of the Movement
Want to bring the JA! Project to your school, district, or region?
Want to enrol your child or recommend a learner?
We’d love to connect with you. Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.
The Issues We Adress Include:
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Human Rights & Social Justice
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Water Education & Environmental Health
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Climate Change & Sustainability
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Public Health Advocacy (Tobacco Control, Mental Health, NCDs, and more)
Through strong partnerships with leading organisations such as Protect Our Next, the National Department of Health, CANSA, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the South African Medical Research Council, we ensure accurate, relevant content and meaningful impact in every school we work with.
Our Open Invitation
Dear Principal, Educator, Parent, Organisation, or Mentor,
We invite you to be part of a growing network of JA! Schools and changemakers who are shaping the next generation of South African leaders.Whether you’re a school looking to empower your learners, an organisation seeking to collaborate on youth-focused initiatives, a parent interested in advocacy opportunities for your child, or a mentor passionate about guiding the next generation—there’s a place for you in the JA! Project.
Through School Partnerships We Offer:
Interactive Talks & Edutainment
School-Based Competitions & Team Challenges
Leadership Training & Real-World Advocacy Opportunities
Engaging Activities like our Tobacco Hero Arena
Becoming part of the JA! Project means giving learners access to a platform where they can grow, speak up, take action, and inspire change.
