Enabling thriving African youth

Mental health issues prevent young people from flourishing. We enable thriving youths by making mental healthcare accessible in underserved regions of the world, starting with Kenya and Africa.
About UsSee Our Impact
Pressure to excel academically causes stress and anxiety affecting his functioning in class and at home.

Youth mental health issues can be devastating

Mental health issues prevent young people from flourishing—care is neither affordable nor available.
Prevalence: 250m youths aged 10-19 globally
Burden of Disease: 45% of youth global disease burden
Disability: #1 cause of disability in under-resourced regions
Treatment Gap: >80% treatment gap in Africa
Sadly, mental health issues cause poor quality of life, increased risky behaviors, and enduring socio-economic challenges.
Our Story
Shamiri means"thrive." We are building a future where young people, everywhere, can unlock their full potential.

Transforming mental health for all

We are a proud African company that is building for the world. Our mission is rooted in making mental healthcare both affordable and accessible to underserved youth.
We've designed an innovative, community-oriented caregiving model that is a template for expanding access to mental healthcare around the world. Our approach, backed by rigorous research and proven results, paves the way for a future where mental well-being is within reach for every young person.
Our Model
We are a proud African company that is building for the world. Our mission is rooted in making mental healthcare both affordable and accessible to underserved youth.

We've designed for impact at scale

Over 250 million young people aged 10-19 struggle with mental health problems globally, with many of them in Africa. We train 18–22-year-olds to deliver effective therapy within a tiered community-based care model at scale.
See Our Impact
We adopt a data-driven scientific approach to maximize our impact. We combine rigorous social science research with a deep contextual understanding of the complexities of the communities that we work with. Our work has been published in leading journals around the world.

Recent Science and 
Evidence

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0.52
Intervention effect size

An Arts-Literacy Intervention for Adolescent Depression and Anxiety Symptoms: RCT

A brief arts-literacy after-school intervention, called Pretexts, effectively reduces depression and anxiety in adolescents, promising for Sub-Saharan youth mental health.
$15.15
Cost of delivery

Costs and Cost-Effectiveness of Shamiri, a Brief, Layperson-Delivered Intervention for Kenyan Adolescents: RCT

Shamiri is a cost-effective method that can significantly reduce depression and anxiety. Non-expert providers can offer this effective treatment with just 10 days of training, compared to the several years required to become a licensed mental health provider.
80%
Youths improved wellbeing outcomes

Effect of Shamiri Layperson-Provided Intervention vs Study Skills Control Intervention for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Adolescents in Kenya: RCT

The Shamiri intervention shows that scalable psychological interventions that invoke simple psychological principles, rather than explicit references to psychopathology, can alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms in Kenyan adolescents.
World Map illustration where Shamiri Institute for African Youth Mental health...
Shamiri means "thrive." Since 2019, we have provided accessible and effective mental health to 100,000s of young people across Africa and beyond.
Fund for Innovation in DevelopmentWellspring philanthropic fund logo links to shamiri institute partnersDRK Logo Shamiri Doer at ScaleMinistry of Education Logo in collaboration with Shamiri Institute - African Mental Health for Youthhttps://www.templetonworldcharity.org/The Agency Fund Logo
harvard university logo links to shamiri institute partnersDuke University LogoCRI foundation LogoRippleworks Logo Innovation in Healthcare LogoNairobi city county logo
Mulago foundation Logo Harvard Innovation Labs logo University of Virginia logo Global Center for child & adolescent Mental Health kenyatta university logo links to shamiri institute partnersDoveTail Impact Foundation

Teacher Testimonials

Shamiri Institute has been crucial in supporting my students' mental health. Their programs help students navigate emotional struggles, leading to better engagement and improved performance in class. I’m grateful for the lasting positive effects on my students' mental well-being.
Emily Davis
GHI Academy
As a teacher, Shamiri Institute has been a game-changer for my students. Their mental health programs provide invaluable support, helping students manage stress and emotional challenges. The positive impact on my students' well-being is clear—more focus, confidence, and academic success. Shamiri truly helps them thrive.
Michael Johnson
DEF Secondary School
Thanks to Shamiri Institute, my students have gained the tools to manage their mental health effectively. The programs have helped reduce anxiety and build resilience, allowing them to focus better and perform well in school. Shamiri’s work is truly vital for our kids’ success.
John Doe
XYZ Academy
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team@shamiri.institute
+254 (0)11 254 07 60
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