Our Philosophy

It is crucial that young people find meaning and hope for their lives within their home environments despite challenges otherwise the self-preservation instinct will drive many to resort to crime, drugs or even gamble with their lives in search of better opportunities elsewhere in the world.

The philosophy and values that define and power Luvatsi is the uncompromising belief in positive creative thinking, respect for human rights, voluntary service to society, belief in self-empowerment and searching for local solutions to complex challenges of development, promoting sustainable livelihoods approaches. Our approach to advocacy training is not limited to raising awareness on issues of human rights, democracy or citizen participation or influencing public policy formulations, or simply complaining about endemic problems, but also to do something positive. In this regard, we actively train young people and social activists to confront their daily realities with a positive mindset and where possible seek to find local solutions to youth problems and community challenges. This is our way of instilling self-belief and in many cases it’s a way of restoring dignity and purpose to the youth despite the chronic challenges of the country.

The philosophy of self-empowerment and finding a purpose independent of government and donors is a positive act of self-actualization and preservation which is urgently needed in the rather hopeless environment under which young people from poor communities are growing up. It is a way of refusing to be a victim despite the lack of social and economic opportunities. Our programs and projects offer young people the opportunity to be of service to society whilst also developing themselves.

The Organization is generally located in rural areas of Swaziland and has 40 branches with an active membership ranging between 100 members in a small branch and 300 in a big branch. Due to the discipline and high moral and ethical standards that the Organization subscribes to, most families and local authorities actively seek out the Organizations’ participation in local activities.

Luvatsi is not affiliated to any political organization and strongly defends its independence but, nonetheless, believes that society and the youth in particular, are better off with a politically aware civil society, able to lobby and influence public policy and decision makers to put the interests of the poor ahead of their own. Further, a politically aware youth and community are essential to ensure that society continuously develops the courage to make demands upon the government of the day and positively impact upon public policy as well as the expenditure priorities of the state.