Kenya 2025: MCW Global-Kofi Annan Foundation Young Leaders Conference (Fully-funded) Deadline: 23 May, 2025

Applications for the MCW Global-Kofi Annan Foundation Young Leaders Conference – Kenya 2025 are now open. MCW Global, The Kofi Annan Foundation, and the Africa Alliance of YMCAs have joined forces to implement the Sawa Project, which aims to equip young mental health professionals, community organizers, and advocates in six  Eastern African countires- Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda with the skills, resources, and networks needed to drive change.

Through leadership training, advocacy support, and seed funding, the Sawa Project aims to empower young leaders to create impactful educational programs, awareness campaigns, and outreach initiatives that increase access to mental health services and break down stigma. The project has several phases, and selected participants are required to actively participate in all the phases, including the conference, vision planning webinars, and the implementation of seed funding grants.

About the Conference

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.

Cost

• The project will also cover the costs of program tools, e-modules, speakers, and additional program expenses during the conference and the remaining part of the program.
• The project will cover all costs of transportation to and from the Conference using routes that are economically the most efficient ones. This could involve either a flight or travel by road via public transport, depending on your route.
• Your lodging costs will also be covered fully by the Conference. However, you will be required to share a room with a fellow conference participant.

Eligibility

Young Leaders Must:

• 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.

Application

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:

• General Information
• Essay Questions:
  • Describe your current engagement with mental health in your community or professional life. 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?
  • Elaborate on how your background is connected to mental health as a topic(. i.e. studies, profession, work engagements, lived experience). 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.
• Resume: Your resume should not be more than one page. They suggest that it be prepared in Times New Roman, 12 font, with 1-inch margins.
• Liability Waiver: At the end of the application, review the terms and conditions.
• Application Form

Click here to apply

For more information, visit Young Leaders Conference.