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 SETHU MALALA, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW FOR THE CLASS OF 2025.
University of Fort Hare | Alice, South Africa | Advancing SDG 4, SDG 10 & UNAI 5
" I've always been bothered by the gaps in mental health care, and how little consideration is taken towards the effects of marginalisation on one's mental health and ability to thrive even after they've received some help. I'm excited to be a part of this because it will provide me with a collaborative environment to not only advocate for and enact social change, but also equip me with the skills to amplify my voice in highlighting the silent war with mental health that people fight on top of fighting against marginalisation. "
Millennium Fellowship Project: Mind Garden Collective
The Mind Garden Collective is a student-led initiative that confronts an urgent and often overlooked reality: the mental health impact of marginalisation. Students who belong to groups such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, students with disabilities, and those facing economic hardship frequently navigate discrimination, exclusion, and isolation on a daily basis. These experiences are not only unjust but carry profound psychological consequences, affecting how students live, learn, and connect with the communities around them.
While advocacy for inclusion, rights, and justice is vital, it often focuses on policy, visibility, and structural change. The emotional toll of oppression remains largely invisible and unsupported. The Mind Garden Collective exists to fill this critical gap. It creates safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces where students can process, share, and heal. Through intentional dialogue circles, workshops, and peer-support initiatives, the project integrates mental health care into the broader mission of advocacy, recognising that resilience and well-being are essential to sustaining the fight for justice.
By addressing the hidden pain of marginalisation, the Mind Garden Collective seeks to empower students to thrive not only as advocates for change but as individuals whose mental and emotional health is valued and nurtured.
About the Millennium Fellow
Sethu Malala is a third year undergraduate law student whose experiences have deepened her devotion to social impact and human rights advocacy. She blends law, mental health and community development in innovative ways, creating accessible and equitable solutions that meaningfully serve her community. Her passion to use her voice impactfully also manifests in her love for debating, sparking critical conversations about local and global issues, and using dialogue as a catalyst for change. Through this fellowship, she hopes bring her collaborative spirit and drive for innovation to expand her impact and continue to innovate solutions which shape a more sustainable future.
