Young Leaders Conference – Kenya 2025 | Applications Now Open for SAWA Project!
MCW Global, in partnership with the Kofi Annan Foundation and the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Sawa Project and the Young Leaders Conference 2025!
The initiative aims to equip young mental health professionals, community organizers, and advocates from six Eastern African countries — Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda — with skills, resources, and networks to drive impactful change in the mental health sector.
Through leadership training, advocacy support, and seed funding, the Sawa Project empowers young leaders to build educational programs, awareness campaigns, and outreach initiatives to improve access to mental health services and combat stigma.
Participants are required to engage actively throughout all project phases, including the in-person conference, online webinars, and project implementation.
(FUNDER: The Sawa Project is Funded by Wellcome)
Key Highlights
- Fully funded Conference in Nairobi, Kenya
- Leadership development, community engagement, and advocacy training
- Opportunity to receive up to $1,000 seed funding for project implementation
- Up to 10 projects will be supported financially
- Mentorship from mental health professionals
- Focus on breaking mental health stigma and improving access to services
About the Young Leaders Conference 2025
Dates: September 3 – 5, 2025
Location: Nairobi, Kenya (In-person attendance mandatory)
The three-day Conference will bring together young mental health leaders to:
- Address regional mental health challenges and opportunities
- Build leadership and professional skills
- Learn about community engagement and resource mobilization
- Foster cross-country collaboration and advocacy networks
- Discuss strategies to tackle mental health stigma
The Young Leaders Conference model focuses on leveraging leadership to solve region-specific mental health issues through regional networking, mentorship, and guided discourse.
Post-Conference Activities
Vision Planning Webinars (Mandatory)
Dates: September 20 – October 20, 2025
After the in-person Conference, participants will attend three webinars (two hours each) designed to help transform their ideas into actionable project plans. Participants will submit completed project proposals for funding consideration.
Financial Support and Mentorship
Timeline: January – June 2026
Participants with selected project plans will receive:
- Up to $1,000 in seed funding
- Monthly mentorship support with a professional experienced in mental health initiatives
- Regular check-ins with the Sawa Project team
Up to 10 projects will be financially supported following a thorough review process.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be aged 25–35 at the time of the Conference
- Reside in Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, or Uganda
- Be engaged in the mental health field through studies, professional work, lived experiences, or community initiatives
- Demonstrate leadership potential and passion for mental health advocacy
- Be committed to active participation in all phases of the project (conference, webinars, project implementation)
- Have reliable internet and email access
- Submit a complete application by May 23rd, 2025, at 17:00 East Africa Time (EAT)/ UTC +3
Important Dates
How To Apply
The application must be filled out in English. Any part of the application not written in English will not be considered and will be deemed incomplete.
The application includes:
1. General Information
2. Essay Questions:
- Describe your current engagement with mental health in your community or professional life. Please provide specific examples of your work, studies, or volunteer activities.
- The Sawa Project focuses on reducing mental health stigma and increasing access to services in Eastern Africa. What specific challenges related to mental health stigma or access have you observed in your community?
- What is your motivation to continue working in the area of mental health?
- Please elaborate on how your background is connected to mental health as a topic(. i.e. studies, profession, work engagements, lived experience). Please specify if you are still studying or graduating.
- The conference and subsequent webinars offer opportunities for professional development, project funding, and advocacy engagement. How do you envision utilizing the knowledge and resources gained from this experience to create a sustainable impact in your community? Please outline a potential vision for a mental health initiative you would like to implement.
3. Resume
- Your resume should not be more than one page. We suggest that it be prepared in Times New Roman, 12 font, with 1-inch margins.
4. Liability Waiver
- At the end of the application, please review the terms and conditions.
5. Application Form
Financial and Logistical Support
- The Conference is completely free for selected participants.
- Travel (economical route by flight or road) and accommodation (shared rooms) will be fully covered.
- Program materials, e-learning modules, and speaker sessions will also be provided free of cost.
- Participants must commit to sharing a room with a fellow attendee.
Contact Information
For questions or clarifications, please email: apply@mcwglobal.org
Regions Applicable To
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Rwanda
- Somalia
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Conclusion
The Young Leaders Conference – Kenya 2025 is a unique opportunity for passionate young leaders in Eastern Africa to make a tangible impact in mental health advocacy and services.
By participating, you will gain leadership skills, develop a community initiative, expand your professional network, and potentially receive seed funding to bring your vision to life.
If you are committed to making a difference in mental health and driving regional change, apply now and join a movement dedicated to empowering future leaders!
For more details, visit MCW Global website.
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