MCW Global Kofi Annan Foundation Young Leaders Conference for East Africans Now Open for Application. The Sawa Project will host a conference for young leaders building on the unique model of the “Young Leaders Conference” developed by MCW Global, which leverages leadership to solve region-specific issues through networking and guided discourse about community issues. The Young Leaders Conference is an expansion of the Young Leaders Program focused on leveraging leadership to solve region-specific issues through regional networking.
The Sawa Project Conference (hereafter referred to as the Conference) will welcome young people between the ages of 25-35 from Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. It seeks to engage young people currently active in the field of mental health, either through studies, professional work, or community engagement. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their connection and engagement with mental health issues, either through studies, current work, or lived experiences.
Offer
The three-day Conference will encompass a comprehensive program addressing key aspects of mental health, including challenges and opportunities, leadership development, community engagement, and resource mobilization. Further sessions will focus on mitigating regional mental health stigma and fostering professional empowerment through a dedicated network, and advocacy.
Also Apply: National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Application
Financial Support
Participants with actionable project plans will be invited to apply for financial support (up to $1,000) to help them in implementation. All participants are required to apply for financial support post-conference which will be subject to review and approval by the project team. Up to 10 projects will be supported financially. Participants who receive funding will also be assigned a mentor with a background in mental health initiatives to support their project execution and reporting.
MCW Global Kofi Annan Foundation Young Leaders Conference Eligibility
- Be mental health professionals or currently active in the field of mental health through studies or lived experiences.
- Be between the ages of 25-35 at the start of the conference.
- Reside in Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, or Uganda.
- Currently active in the field of mental health, either through studies, professional work, or community engagement.
- Be interested in leadership, professional development, mental health initiatives, community development, or lived experiences.
- Be committed to enhancing professional competencies, developing cross-cultural understanding, fostering networking opportunities, and becoming effective leaders.
- Be interested in further expanding their work and efforts in the area of mental health
- Seek to build connections and expand their professional network.
- Be dedicated to continuous learning and growth.
- Be able to articulate how the project theme aligns with their current work or aspirations.
- Demonstrate willingness to engage in networking activities.
- Commit to actively participate throughout the entire life cycle of the project.
- Be willing to share best practices and contribute to collaborative initiatives.
- Commit to fostering regional networks for future exchange.
- Commit to attending the three-day Conference.
- Commit to engaging in post-conference virtual activities.
- Have access to email and the internet to allow for consistent communication with the project team post-Conference.
- Submit a completed application on or before May 23rd, 2025, at 17:00 East Africa Time.
For more Information: Visit the website for MCW Global Kofi Annan Foundation Young Leaders Conference for East Africans