In the silent classrooms of Lilongwe, a hidden struggle was unfolding. Young people were wrestling with anxiety, depression, and emotional distress, often feeling isolated and unsupported. Recognizing this critical need, our team launched Achinyamata Ojaka (wise youth)—a groundbreaking project designed to empower youth to build resilience, provide positive examples for effective stress-copying mechanisms and reducing stigma on mental health issues.
After successfully reaching over 1700 students in Lilongwe, the initiative has expanded to Mchinji district, targeting two secondary schools this quarter. The impact was immediate and transformative. “It was as if a dam had burst,” remarked a teacher at Mchinji Mission CDSS. The program provided students with crucial tools to understand and manage their emotional well-being.
Students responded with remarkable openness. “Before these sessions, I didn’t really understand what mental health was,” one student shared. “Now I know it’s just as important as physical health, and it’s okay to talk about my feelings when I’m stressed or sad.”
This youth-driven approach offers more than just support—it represents a fundamental shift in how mental health is perceived. In a country with limited mental health resources, Achinyamata Ojaka presents a scalable model of emotional care. By empowering young people to understand, discuss, and address their mental health, the project lays groundwork for a more empathetic, resilient society.
The foundation hopes to reach 3000 students in 3 districts by June 2026. This program’s impact is made possible with funding from the Segal Family Foundation.
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