YTH Live Global: Hear From 2023 Innovation Challenge Winners Youth Minds Connect
By Pemphero Grey Mafuta | August 8, 2024
Founder, Youth Minds Connect
YTH Live Global is ETR’s premier conference that centers on the convergence of youth, technology, and health. This 16-year event invites youth and adults to share their power and create space to nurture the exchange and discussion of innovative ideas, new technologies, and transformational research.
Our team Youth Minds Connect won the Innovation Challenge at YTH Live Global 2023. The global challenge called for youth 18–24 to spark the next great digital innovation for improving universal prevention as it relates to mental health and substance use in our community. As winners, we received $4,000 USD in seed funding to bring our idea into reality, plus support and mentorship from ETR.
Learn About Our Project
Youth Minds Connect was founded with the mission to address mental health among youth in Malawi by focusing on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing resources. We achieve our mission through education, advocacy, and support.
Our project encompasses a range of activities—including workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, all designed to foster open conversations about mental health and provide resources for those in need. We also leverage digital platforms to reach a broader audience and ensure accessibility to mental health aid and information.
Our Experience with the YTH Live Global Innovation Challenge
Winning the Innovation Challenge has been an incredible journey filled with learning and growth, enabling us to expand our reach and enhance our initiatives. The challenge provided us with a platform to showcase our project and connect with like-minded individuals and organizations.
Throughout the process, we gained invaluable insights into project management, strategic planning, and the importance of collaboration. The mentorship and support from ETR and fellow participants were instrumental in refining our approach and maximizing our impact.
Since winning the Innovation Challenge, we have launched several key initiatives:
- Community Workshops: We have conducted workshops in various communities, focusing on mental health education, stress management, and coping strategies. These workshops have empowered young people with the knowledge and skills to manage their mental health effectively.
- Awareness Campaigns: Our awareness campaigns aim to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health. By sharing personal stories and providing factual information, we encourage open dialogue and create a supportive environment for those struggling with mental health.
- Digital Outreach: We have expanded our reach and engaged with a larger audience by utilizing social media and other digital platforms. Our online campaigns include informational posts, live Q&A, and virtual support groups, ensuring that mental health resources are accessible to all.
Our Current Status and Future Plans
Our project is continuously evolving to meet the needs of the youth in Malawi. We are currently working on expanding our digital outreach efforts and developing more targeted programs for specific mental health conditions. Additionally, we plan to collaborate with schools and universities to integrate mental health education into their curricula, ensuring that young people receive the support they need from an early age.
Winning the Innovation Challenge has also opened new funding opportunities. We are currently shortlisted for the Youth Well-Being Prize, an innovation challenge implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). As well as partnerships, allowing us to scale our initiatives and reach even more individuals.
Reflecting on our journey, we are grateful for the support and recognition we have received through the YTH Live Global Innovation Challenge. It has been a catalyst for growth and has empowered us to continue our mission with renewed vigor.
We look forward to the future, committed to sustaining and growing Youth Minds Connect, with the ultimate goal of creating a mentally healthy and resilient youth population in Malawi.
Register for YTH Live Global 2024
We invite other passionate individuals and organizations to join this year's Innovation Challenge for YTH Live Global 2024. It's an incredible opportunity to showcase your projects, gain valuable insights, and connect with a network of innovators dedicated to making a difference in creating positive global change for youth and young leaders.
Registration is now open until September 20, 2024, and this year’s event is FREE for participants. ETR’s goal is to create more possibilities for youth and adults to exchange innovative ideas, new technologies, and transformational research without the barrier of cost. This event is also fully virtual, making it more accessible for attendees across the world to participate while balancing school, work, or caregiving.
To learn more about YTH Live Global 2024, visit this website: https://etr.my/YTH-2024
Pemphero Grey Mafuta (he/him) is the founder of Youth Minds Connect, a project dedicated to addressing mental health challenges among youth in Malawi. With a background in Business Information Technology (BIT) and a passion for social entrepreneurship, Grey is also the founder of a youth-led organization he has been running for four years now called 21st Generation, which mainly focuses on mental health and youth empowerment. For more information, you can contact Grey at his Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or at his email greymafuta@gmail.com.
