Now Open: Join the Sawa Project 2025 to Become a Mental Health Leader.

Are you a young changemaker passionate about mental health and community development? MCW Global, the Kofi Annan Foundation, and the Africa Alliance of YMCAs invite you to apply for the Sawa Project 2025 Conference, a transformative opportunity for Eastern African youth to drive change in mental health advocacy. From September 3–5, 2025, Nairobi, Kenya, will host this three-day event, followed by a year-long leadership journey. Here’s why you should be part of it—and how to apply!

Why Apply?

The Sawa Project isn’t just a conference—it’s a movement. By participating, you’ll:

• Address pressing mental health challenges in Eastern Africa through collaborative, community-driven solutions.
• Gain leadership skills via workshops, vision-planning webinars, and mentorship.
• Access seed funding grants to turn ideas into actionable projects in your community.
• Build lifelong connections with peers, professionals, and global organizations.
• Join a regional network committed to long-term mental health advocacy and policy change.

This initiative is for those ready to lead beyond the conference. Participants must commit to post-event activities, including virtual webinars, project implementation, and mentorship.

Fully Funded Opportunity

To ensure accessibility for all participants, the Sawa Project 2025 Conference is entirely free of charge. The organizers cover:

• Transportation: Round-trip travel to Nairobi via the most economical route (flight or public road transport, depending on your location).
• Accommodation: Full lodging costs in shared rooms with fellow participants.
• Program Tools: Access to e-modules, speaker sessions, and all conference materials.
• Additional Expenses: Meals, event logistics, and resources for post-conference activities.

Note: Participants are only responsible for personal incidental expenses.

Are You Eligible?

To apply, you must:

• Be aged 25–35 by September 3, 2025.
• Reside in Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, or Uganda.
• Be actively engaged in mental health through work, studies, or lived experience.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community development.
• Have consistent internet access for post-conference collaboration.

Applicants should also:

• Seek to expand their professional network and cross-cultural understanding.
• Be eager to implement mental health initiatives with seed funding.
• Submit all materials in English by May 23, 2025, at 17:00 EAT.

Key Dates & Timeline

Mark your calendar!

• April 11, 2025: Applications open.
• May 23, 2025: Application deadline.
• June 6, 2025: Acceptance notifications.
• June 20–27, 2025: Mandatory virtual meetings.
• September 3–5, 2025: Conference in Nairobi.
• Sept 20–Oct 20, 2025: Vision-planning webinars.
• Nov 20, 2025: Project proposal deadline.
• Jan 1–June 1, 2026: Project implementation.
• June 15, 2026: Final grant report due.

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare your materials:

• A résumé/CV in English (PDF only).
• Essays addressing your experience and vision for mental health.
• Completed liability waiver.

While the deadline is May 23, 2025, spots are limited. Apply early to increase your chances. Follow Opportunitypool on Whatsapp and LinkedIn for real-time updates.

Step 2: Fill out the online application form by May 23, 2025.

Step 3: Await notification by June 6, 2025, and confirm participation by June 13, 2025.

Why This Matters

Mental health remains a critical yet underserved issue in Eastern Africa. The Sawa Project empowers youth to bridge gaps in access, stigma, and policy. By joining, you’ll contribute to a regional ripple effect—transforming lives while honing your skills as a leader.

Ready to Lead?

Don’t miss this fully funded opportunity to amplify your impact. Visit MCW Global’s website for details and submit your application before the deadline. Together, let’s build a future where mental health is a priority for all