Sawa Young Leaders Conference : Youth Leadership Driving Mental Health Change in Eastern Africa
YMCA Health Assessments Strengthen Movements Across Africa
15/08/2025
Nairobi, Kenya – September 3–5, 2025
Young leaders from across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Somalia and Malawi came together for the SAWA Young Leaders Conference, hosted by a partnership between MCW Global, Kofi Annan Foundation, and we, The Africa Alliance of YMCAs.
The three-day forum placed mental health at the center of its agenda, highlighting it as one of the most pressing challenges facing young people in Eastern Africa today with the objective of empowering the youth to become leaders in breaking stigma, influencing policy and creating innovative, community-based responses to mental health needs. Through shared experiences, skill-building sessions and collaborative planning, participants not only confronted the barriers to mental health support but also launched a new regional network committed to advancing wellbeing, resilience and youth-led solutions.
Day One: Breaking the Silence
The conference opened with keynote remarks from Dr. Rita Sonko[Researcher, Author, and Clinical Psychologist], Laurean Rugambwa Bwanakunu[Regional Head Humanitarian Diplomacy, Africa Region - IFRC] and Dr. Jebet Boit[Mental Health Division from the Ministry of Health - Kenya], who highlighted mental health as both a public health and social challenge requiring urgent action.
A great panel explored barriers such as stigma, lack of resources and cultural norms — with youth voices stressing the need for trust, innovation and community-based approaches. Later, participants reflected on lived experiences, sharing personal journeys that revealed both the pain of silence and the strength in storytelling. The day closed with discussions on cultural barriers, where participants reframed traditions as potential assets for wellbeing.
Day Two: Leadership in Action
Leadership was the theme of the second day. Through self-reflection and creative exercises, participants discovered that leadership is not a title but an action grounded in courage, empathy and service.
Case studies from Kenya’s Beth Omondi and Uganda’s Ruth Nazzinda illustrated resilience, creativity and turning personal struggles into solutions. In the afternoon, a study visit to Integrative Wellbeing in Nairobi’s Kasarani neighborhood gave participants a firsthand look at community-led mental health programs, combining art, peer support and safe spaces for youth.
Day Three: From Dialogue to Action
The final day focused on building collaboration. Facilitated by Shamiri Institute, participants mapped existing resources across the region, uncovering strengths and gaps.
In the afternoon, they launched the Eastern Africa Youth Mental Health Network, prioritizing digital innovation, cross-border collaboration, and advocacy. The conference concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating commitments and unity, marking the start of a regional movement.
What’s Next ?
The momentum continues beyond Nairobi:
- Youth-led projects will receive mentorship and seed funding for community impact.
- A policy recommendation paper on youth mental health will be developed and shared with governments and partners.
- The newly formed Eastern Africa Mental Health Network will coordinate advocacy, knowledge exchange and ongoing collaboration.
The SAWA Conference showed that youth are not just the future but the present — ready to lead change, break stigma and create resilient communities.
