Wan De

The Wan De project is a culturally rooted, youth-led innovation that uses storytelling to educate, support, and empower young people. The program seeks to reduce substance use and stigma around mental health, teach coping skills, and build employability capacity.

Through relatable stories about the consequences of substance misuse and mental health struggles, youth participants aged 10-24 will gain a better understanding of emotional well-being. Through role-playing, group discussions, and scenario-based exercises, the program also teaches coping strategies for managing stress, cravings, and triggers. As economic challenges and high unemployment rates are key drivers of poor mental health among youth in Sierra Leone, the program will also promote job skills, including digital literacy and basic entrepreneurship, to strengthen their ability to turn their ideas into businesses that benefit them, their communities and the economy.