iMind is a youth-led organisation that is driving towards mental wellness,it was founded in 2017 by university students.It is registered as a company limited by guarantee with the Registrar General, the Council for Non-governmental Organisations in Malawi (CONGOMA) and the NGO Regulatory Authority (NGO/L/24/038). It is contributing towards the realization of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 which is “good health and well-being”.
Challenges Identified
- Limited access to mental health services, with only one public tertiary mental hospital (Zomba Mental Hospital).
- Rising suicide rates, with 597 cases reported in 2024 (Malawi Police Service, 2025)
- Only 1.1% of the health budget is allocated to mental health (Office of the Ombudsman, 2017).
- High levels of stigma and discrimination against people suffering from mental illness (Kutcher, et al., 2019).
- A mental health treatment gap of 70-90% (Kokota et al., 2020).
- Low mental health literacy leading to misconceptions (Chiwoza, 2021).
- Lack of community-based mental health initiatives (PIH Malawi, 2024).
MISSION
To improve mental health outcomes among the youth in Malawi and across Southern Africa through evidence-based research, mental health awareness and treatment of mental disorders.
VISION
A generation that values mental well-being as much as physical health.
MOTTO
Healthy Mind, Healthy Body
Objectives
- Conduct research on mental health issues to provide evidence-based solutions and policy recommendations.
- Raise awareness about mental health in society, with a special focus on educating the youth.
- Combat stigma and discrimination by fostering positive attitudes toward individuals with mental illnesses.
- Encourage and promote help-seeking behaviors among young people facing mental health challenges.
- Support and facilitate access to mental health treatment and care services.
VALUES
Empathy
We aim to put ourselves in the shoes of our beneficiaries to understand what they are going through and find the best ways to help them.
Youth-Friendly Services
This is at the heart of our mission. We prioritize accessibility, inclusivity and respect for young people's unique needs. We empower them to seek mental health support in a safe and supportive environment.
Trust
We understand our cause needs us to create an environment of trust and confidence. We believe in developing deep relationships that revolve around our commitment to serve and maintain confidentiality.
Collaboration
We believe that there is strength in numbers. Our initiatives are driven by teamwork, partnerships and networks that assist us in achieving our goals.
Innovation
Innovation drives us to develop creative, evidence-based solutions that empower young people to access and engage with mental health resources in transformative ways.
Experiencing
"Every conversation counts and every connection matters. At iMind, we are creating safe spaces and transforming discussions about mental health into a movement of support. "
Mercy Mkandawire
Founder / Executive Director
iMind is registered as a company limited by guarantee with the Department of Registrar General (COYG-53FDB7), the Council for Non-governmental Organisations in Malawi (C1727/2023) and the NGO Regulatory Authority (NGO/L/24/038). We have all the relevant registration papers ,if you need these, please contact us.
