To mark World Mental Health Day 2026, GAZHP Health and The YANA Foundation opened a nationwide mental health essay competition for students across Zambia's public and private universities and higher education institutions. Entries closed on , and the winners were announced on World Mental Health Day, .
The winners have been announced. Margret Katebe Musonda (first place), Ruth Prens (second) and Namoonga Hamapande (third) took the top three places. Meet the winners and read their essays.
More than an academic contest, the competition gives young people a safe, meaningful platform to reflect on and share their experiences of mental health — whether personally lived or observed in others — while helping to break the stigma that still surrounds it.
"Prioritising Student Wellbeing: Breaking Stigma and Navigating Mental Health Pressures in Zambian Higher Education"
What it's about
For university students, the higher education environment is their workplace — academic demands, performance expectations, financial pressures and uncertainty about the future all mirror the challenges of professional life. Entrants were invited to explore the cultural, social and systemic pressures affecting student mental health in Zambia, and to propose practical, community-focused solutions institutions could adopt.
Who could enter
The competition was open to students at all recognised public and private higher education institutions across Zambia — including the University of Zambia (UNZA), the Copperbelt University (CBU), Mulungushi University, Eden University, Cavendish University and others. To protect participants, essays could be submitted under a pseudonym, with identities managed confidentially by a designated competition coordinator.
Important — Eligibility Verification
The competition was open to students currently enrolled at a recognised public or private higher education institution in Zambia. Proof of student status was not required at the time of submission. However, shortlisted finalists will be required to provide a valid student ID card or other official proof of current enrolment before prizes are awarded. Failure to provide satisfactory proof of eligibility by the stated deadline may result in disqualification and selection of the next highest-scoring entrant.
Recognition
The three highest-scoring entries receive tiered cash prizes, together with mentorship through the combined professional networks of GAZHP Health and The YANA Foundation:
- 1st prize: US$100
- 2nd prize: US$75
- 3rd prize: US$50
In addition:
- Every eligible participant receives a co-branded digital Certificate of Participation for their academic portfolio and CV.
- Winning essays are published on this site and shared across GAZHP Health's international platforms and The YANA Foundation's national media channels.
How entries were submitted
- Essay length: up to 1,000 words
- Pseudonym option: entrants could write under a pseudonym if they preferred
- Submission deadline: (entries are now closed)
- Winners announced: World Mental Health Day — (see the winners)
Entries closed on 31 August 2026, and new submissions are no longer being accepted. Entries were submitted by email to info@gazhphealth.org. Questions about the competition? Get in touch.
GAZHP runs initiatives like this to amplify young Zambian voices and build a culture of openness and support around mental health — read more about our Addiction & Mental Health program. You can also read about our 2025 Youth Mental Health Essay Competition.
Want to support initiatives like this? Donate to GAZHP or become a member.