READY Academy 3.0 Seed Grant Winners 2025
Beyond the Red Umbrella
Andile Fraser Mpofu and Mitchel Munashe Zengeya from Zimbabwe aim to support the children of sex workers in mining districts. The project addresses challenges such as social stigma, economic exclusion, and limited access to education, healthcare, and psychosocial support.
Young Fathers Engaging on SRH Issues
Nikiwe Lomgcino Mabila and Thabiso Mlandvo from Eswatini have proposed a project to integrate young fathers into Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) programs. They aim to recognise the unique perspectives of these fathers and the importance of their involvement in discussions about parenting and sexual reproductive health.
Push Movement on HIV and SRHR
Chifuniro Misomali and Prisca Kasewe from Malawi have proposed a project aimed at advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and addressing HIV challenges through advocacy, education, and community engagement in the Dedza district. This initiative will target young people living with HIV, key populations, and individuals living with disabilities.
Return to Live
Led by Jacinto Paulo Muhai in Mozambique, this project aims to reduce HIV treatment dropout rates and strengthen sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among adolescents and young people at a health facility in Maputo. Given the high rate of treatment abandonment, the project will prioritise targeted youth-centred interventions that promote adherence to ART and improve access to SRH information and services.
Young, Strong and Safe
Tanaka Chella and Elizabeth Simbuwa from Zambia have proposed a project to empower sex workers in Lusaka. This pilot initiative will support sex workers through peer-led support groups, basic business and rights education, and youth-centred psychosocial care. It aims to create spaces where young people can build confidence and learn essential life skills through advocacy, education, and community action in Dedza, a district in Malawi. It will target young people living with HIV, key populations, and people living with disabilities.
READY Academy 2.0 Seed Grant Winners 2024
Intersex Society of Zambia
Breaking the Silence: A Campaign for Intersex Awareness and Sanitization
This project aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for intersex people by using education, advocacy, and policy changes. Intersex people often face prejudice, stigma, and discrimination, so the project will focus on media sensitisation, community support group interventions, and educational workshops.
United Nations Association of Tanzania
Promoting Contraceptive Use Among Adolescents and Young People in Tanzania
The project’s goal is to promote the use of contraceptives among young people aged 15-24 in Tanzania, with a special emphasis on including youth living with HIV, young mothers, and young fathers. This project utilises an innovative and engaging approach integrating education with sports and games such as football, handball, and draughts to facilitate peer-to-peer learning.
Ambassador for Youth and Adolescent Reproductive Health Programme, Kenya
Empowering PLHIVs (AYPs and AGYW) for SRH and Human Rights Advocacy
The project’s goal is to address the vulnerability of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), especially Adolescents and Young People (AYPs) and Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW). These vulnerable groups often face exploitation and lack comprehensive knowledge about Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) rights. The project aims to reduce HIV reinfection, combat stigma and discrimination, prevent new HIV infections, and empower PLHIV to assert their rights, including human rights and SRH rights, through targeted education, skills, and advocacy opportunities.
National Association of Young People, Malawi
Youth 4 Diversity (You4D) Project
This is a 12-month project aimed at promoting diversity, inclusivity, and overall well-being among young people aged 15-24. The project focuses on supporting Young Key Vulnerable Populations (YKVPs) communities, such as LGBTQ+ individuals who are disproportionately affected by HIV. It will address issues related to HIV, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and mental health through activities like community engagement, peer support, mentorship, leadership development, advocacy, and collaboration with local organisations and health experts.
Young Africa, Zimbabwe
Strengthening the Capacity of 20 Young People Living with Disability in Zimbabwe through Economic and Social Empowerment
The main goal of this project is to empower young people aged 16-35 with disabilities in Zimbabwe. Young Africa plans to identify and connect with young people with disabilities through community outreach programs and social media platforms. The aim is to provide training and workshops on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and vocational skills to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to start their own businesses or secure employment opportunities. Ultimately, the goal is to help them achieve economic independence and social inclusion.
