22/07/2026
Project Title
Youth Mental Health and Resilience Empowerment Programme in Cental Region
Project Scope 4-6 months
Target District: Lilongwe,Dowa, Dedza, Mchinji
Project Summary
The Youth Rehabilitation and Empowerment Network (YOREN) proposes to implement a community based Youth Mental Health and Resilience Empowerment Programme targeting young people aged 12 to 24 years in the Central Region of Malawi. The initiative responds to growing concerns over increasing cases of depression, su***de, drug and substance abuse, anxiety, and other mental health challenges affecting young people. Limited access to mental health education, stigma surrounding mental illness, and inadequate psychosocial support have left many youths without the knowledge and resources needed to cope with emotional distress.
The project will equip young people with practical knowledge and life skills to recognize signs of depression and emotional distress, build resilience, adopt healthy coping strategies, and seek professional help when needed. It will also promote awareness on su***de prevention, substance abuse prevention, stress management, self-esteem, and positive mental wellbeing through interactive training workshops, peer support groups, school and community outreach activities, and public awareness campaigns.
To mobilize financial resources for implementation, YOREN will launch a GoFundMe online fundraising campaign to engage individuals, philanthropists, the Malawian diaspora, companies, and international supporters interested in promoting youth mental health. Funds raised will support training materials, facilitators, awareness campaigns, monitoring activities, and referral services for vulnerable young people.
The project seeks to contribute to reduced stigma surrounding mental health, increased help-seeking behaviour, reduced substance abuse, and improved psychosocial wellbeing among young people in Central Malawi.
Expected Outcomes
* Increased knowledge of mental health and su***de prevention among youth aged 12–24 years.
* Improved resilience and healthy coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and depression.
* Reduced stigma surrounding mental illness within communities.
* Increased awareness of the risks associated with drug and substance abuse.
* Stronger peer support networks and improved referral pathways to counselling and mental health.
Monitoring and Evaluation Tools
The project will use:
* Pre- and post-training knowledge tests
* Training attendance registers
* Focus group discussions
* Baseline and Endline Surveys
* Social media and GoFundMe analytics to monitor online engagement and fundraising performance
Sustainability
YOREN will train youth peer educators who can continue delivering mental health awareness activities beyond the project period. Partnerships with schools, health facilities, local authorities, and community leaders will strengthen referral systems and help integrate mental health promotion into existing youth programmes. In addition to GoFundMe, YOREN will seek support from local businesses, development partners, and grant-making organisations to sustain and expand the initiative.
By empowering young people with knowledge, practical coping skills, and access to support services, the project aims to build healthier, more resilient communities and contribute to reducing the burden of mental health challenges among youth in Central region districts.
For partnerships,Sponsorship or contributions;
Call: #0999860356/0888860356
Emai: [email protected]
[email protected]
