ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2025
United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 60,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2025 on 7,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 290+ campuses worldwide (less than 5%) were selected to host the 4,500+ Millennium Fellows.
UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT AFREHA TADESSE BEGASHEW, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW FOR THE CLASS OF 2025.
Haramaya University | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Advancing SDG 17, SDG 4 & UNAI 2
" My values and work are fueled by a dynamic blend of creativity, problem solving and adventurous leadership, all interwoven with flexibility and my passion for artistic writing. I believe that participating in the Millennium Fellowship will not only enhance these skills but also equip me to drive impactful change in my community and contribute to a more positive world as a global citizen. "
Millennium Fellowship Project: The Light House Project
This project provides short-term training for health students at Haramaya University, equipping them with skills to conduct reliable community-based research on mental health. Through a strong focus on experiential learning, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience by identifying local mental health issues, assessing barriers to care, and proposing actionable solutions. Collaborations with stakeholders will support meaningful interventions, while trained students will act as peer trainers and join ongoing university research, promoting sustainability and a culture of evidence-based action.
Measurable Goals (Aug–Dec 2025):
1. Train 30+ health students in research skills.
2. Guide participants in conducting community-based mental health studies.
3. Identify barriers to mental health care in Harar and propose interventions.
4. Collaborate with local health institutions to implement interventions.
5. Establish a peer network to expand research training.
6. Connect trained participants with Haramaya University research projects as assistants.
About the Millennium Fellow
Since her upbringing in middle- income Ethiopian family, Afreha Tadesse has cultivated a deep appreciation for education and commitment to professional excellence. Now a bright and engaged medical student at Haramaya University's College of Health and Medical Sciences, she channels her passion into creating positive change. Since her high school days Afreha has been a force for youth empowerment, especially for girls. Through active participation in various clubs and initiatives- including the Medicos Art Club, which seeks to bridge the gap between the medical community and the public- she's organized events and programs designed to uplift and inspire. A strong advocate for mental health awareness, Afreha firmly believes that the health and well being of its young people are vital to a nation's prosperity.
