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 DERRICK NYIRENDA, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW AND CAMPUS DIRECTOR FOR THE CLASS OF 2025.
University of Zambia Ridegeway Campus | Lusaka, Zambia | Advancing SDG 3 & UNAI 6
" I'm very excited to be a Millennium Fellow because I'm looking forward to learn and carry out a project and develop my skills . I choose to be a Public Health Advocator and Environmental Sustainability Champion because growing up in a community faced with a lot of health challenges and poor sustainability, I have seen the negative effects that this possess to the health of the public. For example, poor waste management and drainage system are a big problem especially in the capital city of Zambia. It becomes a bigger problem during rain season as drainages get blocked with a lot of wastes such as plastic bottles. This is one of lead causes of the epidemic Cholera in parts of Zambia. Learning of these problems, increases my passion to be an advocator of Public Health with a version to stop reduce this problem and stop it once and for all.
As a driven, self-motivated and environmentally conscious professional, I aim to leverage my project management skills, passion for sustainability and expertise in environmental conservation to drive impactful initiatives that mitigate climate change. Some of my passion drivers for my dream job is that I thrive in fast-paced, team-based environments, adeptly managing tight deadlines and prioritizing stewardship. "
Millennium Fellowship Project: Maganizo
The Maganizo Project is a student-led initiative focused on understanding and supporting mental well-being within the school community. It begins by establishing a foundational understanding of what mental health is and why it matters, especially in relation to academic performance and daily life. The project then thoughtfully addresses pressing issues that severely impacts mental health: sexual harassment, substance abuse, gang affiliation and suicide. It clearly defines these terms and, with great empathy, outlines the common emotional and psychological effects it can have on a student, such as stress, shame, and a loss of confidence.
A core strength of the project is its empowering and supportive approach. It firmly reinforces the message that the victim is never to blame for harassment and that their feelings are a normal reaction to a harmful situation. The project provides clear, practical guidance, offering steps students can take both in the moment of an incident and afterward to seek safety and support. Ultimately, the Maganizo Project serves as a vital resource, aiming to break the stigma surrounding mental health and sexual harassment by fostering a community where students feel less alone and empowered to seek the help they deserve.
About the Millennium Fellow
Hello, my name is Derrick Nyirenda from Lusaka the Capital of Zambia.
I speak English as the only official language I'm fluent in. I do speak other local languages as well such as, Nyanja. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Zambia pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health.
My dream job is to a Public Health Advocator and Environmental Sustainability Champion, driven by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG number 11.
I see myself working at the intersection of Health, Environment Sustainability and Climate Change. I aim to Establish my own foundation that will be supporting marginalized individuals and communities and getting their voices heard.
