Shifting the Narrative

EMpower’s Shifting the Narrative series is grounded in a few key principles—two of which are highlighted in this short read.

"Visiting the work in person changes the way you see the impact of EMpower," Alex explains. "It’s one thing to be in New York, London, or Singapore and hear the stories and see the pictures, but it is powerful to experience the surroundings of a place firsthand because it gives you a sense of why EMpower's support is so vital. If you are ever on a business or personal trip to a country near an EMpower grantee, I would strongly recommend requesting a visit. A couple of hours visiting the place and talking to the people involved will really make a difference for you and for them."

Life is art. When I struggle to find the precise words to describe a feeling or impression, I often find meanings from various art forms. When I met with our partners in Jakarta last month, images of a few oil paintings from the Pointillist greats emerged while I listened to their struggles and achievements. I wondered as you may too, what is the connection between the 19th century arts technique and a group of locally-led, community-based organisations in Indonesia?

After 20 years in the social sector, across programmes, partnerships, and strategy, one realisation stands out: meaningful collaboration doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through showing up consistently. Real collaboration isn’t about power plays or polished optics. It’s about making space for others. It needs intention and structure. It needs care.

I’ve walked some of these roads myself. Not all of them, of course, but enough to know what it feels like to be full of potential yet boxed in by systems you didn’t build or ask for. Like many young South Africans, I’ve seen firsthand how your postcode can determine your opportunities, and how your dreams often have to fight harder just to stay alive. Young people in this country are more than a demographic; they’re the soul of our future.

At EMpower, we often say that it’s local organisations that power real change. Over my years here, I’ve seen just how true that is—how the wisdom, passion, and deep community roots of our partners drive transformation in places that are often overlooked or underserved. These organisations are not only delivering critical services to young people, but they’re also holding space for hope, resilience, and leadership.