ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2024
United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 52,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2024 on 6,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 280+ campuses worldwide (just 5%) were selected to host the 4,000+ Millennium Fellows.

UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT PRINCESS UGONMA ONYEAMA, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW AND CAMPUS DIRECTOR FOR THE CLASS OF 2024.
University of Nairobi | Nairobi, Kenya | Advancing SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 10, SDG 17 & UNAI 2

" I am excited to be a Millennium Fellow because this opportunity aligns perfectly with my passion for social impact and my commitment to driving meaningful change in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By connecting with like-minded peers and leveraging this platform, I aim to advance mental health and empower youth, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). This fellowship represents a chance to transform challenges into opportunities and to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. "
Millennium Fellowship Project: U-MATTER
Description of U-MATTER
U-MATTER is a Kenyan-based social innovation initiative that addresses one of the country’s most pressing yet overlooked issues: mental health among youth. At U-MATTER, we envision a society where young people can openly discuss mental health, access support systems, and build resilience in an inclusive and judgment-free environment. Our mission is to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health in Kenya by creating safe, empowering spaces that enable youth to connect, heal, and grow.
The Problem
Mental health challenges are widespread across Kenya, but for young people, they are particularly severe. Issues like trauma, substance abuse, unemployment, and societal pressures weigh heavily on youth, often leading to depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Despite the high demand for mental health resources, the stigma around these issues prevents many from seeking help, further worsening the cycle of silence and misunderstanding. Youth face barriers in finding safe spaces where they can openly express their struggles without judgment or fear of repercussion.
Our Solution
U-MATTER’s approach is simple but transformative: we create community-based safe spaces for young people, enabling them to access mental health resources, engage in open conversations, and form supportive networks. Our model combines educational workshops, peer support groups, and partnerships with community leaders to foster a culture of acceptance and resilience. In these spaces, youth can share experiences, learn coping mechanisms, and receive mentorship. The activities are designed to normalize conversations about mental health, helping participants understand they are not alone and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
Our programs are tailored to the specific needs of each community we serve. For instance, in areas like Nyeri, where addiction and substance abuse are significant concerns, we focus on recovery and awareness workshops. In regions like Marsabit, where conflict and trauma have deep impacts, our programs emphasize healing and community rebuilding.
Key Activities
Educational Workshops: We conduct workshops covering topics such as mental health awareness, self-care practices, and emotional resilience. These sessions equip young people with knowledge and skills to manage their mental well-being.
Peer Support Groups: These groups offer safe, non-judgmental spaces where participants can freely express themselves, share their experiences, and receive encouragement from peers facing similar challenges.
Community Partnerships: U-MATTER collaborates with local organizations, mental health professionals, and educators to expand resources and support. Through these partnerships, we deepen our impact and reach even more youth in need.
Target Audience
Our focus is on young people aged 18-30, especially those in regions where mental health support is scarce or stigmatized. We currently operate in counties such as Nairobi, Marsabit, and Nyeri, each of which has unique mental health challenges due to factors like substance abuse, unemployment, and trauma from past conflicts.
Impact and Social Value
Since its inception, U-MATTER has reached hundreds of young people, empowering them with knowledge, tools, and a supportive community. Participants report feeling more confident, resilient, and equipped to handle their mental health challenges. Beyond individual growth, U-MATTER is fostering a cultural shift—by creating these safe spaces, we are working to normalize mental health discussions in Kenya, reduce stigma, and build a network of allies committed to supporting one another.
Sustainability and Growth
U-MATTER’s sustainability plan relies on fostering community ownership, establishing long-term partnerships, and securing funding through grants and donations. We aim to scale our impact by creating additional safe spaces across the country, with a vision of establishing a central hub in Nairobi. This hub would serve as a model for similar initiatives nationwide, ensuring that youth in all regions can access the resources they need.
Vision for the Future
In the long term, we envision U-MATTER as a cornerstone for mental health support in Kenya, one that contributes to a generation of young people who are mentally resilient, empowered, and connected. By building a network of safe spaces across the country, we hope to foster a future where every young person can access support and feel understood, valued, and hopeful. With U-MATTER, we are paving the way for a society that not only addresses mental health needs but also celebrates the courage of those who seek help.
About the Millennium Fellow
Meshack Owino is a dedicated student of Anthropology at The University of Nairobi, known for his commitment to excellence and social impact. Born in Nairobi and raised in Marsabit County, Northern Kenya, Meshack has developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. As the Founder and Chairperson of U-MATTER Kenya, he leads initiatives focused on mental health awareness, support, and empowerment. Through the Millennium Fellowship, Meshack aims to expand his efforts in fostering resilience and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in Kenya.








