ELP centers around young people, particularly those who come from communities that have been traditionally excluded from social participation and those who carry a commitment for the betterment of a common good. The age criterion for South African-inspired ELP is ideally and preferably between 15 and 20 years of age who are either in school or have recently matriculated. We use age in years as guiding but not restricting criteria. Although we understand, however, that in many contexts, age does not necessarily correspond to year in school. In these instances, we think broadly about our target audience; an alternative and complimentary age category will make appropriate provision to include young emerging leaders due to strictly regional and contextual considerations.

While young people are the primary participants in ELP, we believe strongly that the youth represent just not themselves but their families and communities. As such, the communities and the larger society are beneficiaries of ELP. We also involve multiple stakeholders—schools, NGOs, community-based organizations, places of worship, and more—who not only stand to benefit tertiarily through ELP participants, but are critical in the success and sustainability of the programme itself.