To mark World Mental Health Day 2026, GAZHP Health and The YANA Foundation have opened a nationwide mental health essay competition for students across Zambia's public and private universities and higher education institutions. Entries are now open, and the deadline for submissions is 31 August 2026.
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
The World Health Organization's theme for World Mental Health Day 2026 is "It Is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace." 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 will be 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 can enter
The competition will be 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 may be submitted under a pseudonym, with identities managed confidentially by a designated competition coordinator.
Important — Eligibility Verification
The competition is open to students currently enrolled at a recognised public or private higher education institution in Zambia. Proof of student status is 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 will 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 will receive a co-branded digital Certificate of Participation for their academic portfolio and CV.
- Winning essays will be published across GAZHP Health's international platforms and The YANA Foundation's national media channels.
How to enter
- Essay length: up to 1,000 words
- Pseudonym option: you may write under a pseudonym if you prefer
- Submission deadline: 31 August 2026
- Winners announced: World Mental Health Day — 10 October 2026
Submit your entry by email to info@gazhphealth.org before 31 August 2026. Please share the competition with your coursemates — every voice matters. Questions? Get in touch.
GAZHP runs initiatives like this to amplify young Zambian voices and build a culture of openness and support around mental health. You can also read about our 2025 Youth Mental Health Essay Competition.