UPG Viewer

21 Years Old

Tunisia

Female

Yes! That is really who you are!

My name is Zekri Wejden, and I’m a first-year English major with a strong passion for learning , growth, and creating meaningful change. Growing up in a small town in Southern Tunisia, I witnessed several social challenges, particularly in mental health awareness, which motivated me to take action and contribute to building a stronger, more supportive community.
Through my experiences, I’ve developed skills that shaped my vision and commitment to making a difference. Volunteering in Denizli, Turkey, where I worked with children with disabilities, taught me empathy, adaptability, and teamwork. Participating in programs like Soliya Connect enhanced my communication, intercultural dialogue, and conflict resolution abilities, while my work with Chabeb Connect strengthened my leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Despite these experiences, I recognize that creating sustainable impact requires continuous learning and development. My goal is to launch a project in my city focused on empowering youth and raising awareness about mental health. To fulfill this vision, I aim to further develop my leadership abilities, particularly in strategic decision-making, resource management, and project planning, while also gaining skills in sustainable development practices.
The UPG Sustainability Leadership Program represents an incredible opportunity for me to develop these skills, learn from diverse perspectives, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who are passionate about addressing challenges in their communities. I believe that real change starts with equipping ourselves with the right tools and knowledge, and I’m eager to bring this learning back to my community to create a lasting impact.

Emotional Intelligence-Leadership-Collaboration and Teamwork-Communication Skills-Adaptability -Problem-Solving- Resilience.

One experience that highlights my collaboration and teamwork skills was during my participation in the Chabeb Connect Program. I worked with a diverse group of youth from different regions of Tunisia, where we collaborated on workshops and discussions to address pressing issues, including mental health awareness.
My role involved facilitating group discussions, ensuring everyone’s voice was heard, and organizing brainstorming sessions to develop practical solutions. I took the initiative to coordinate activities and mediate differences when opinions clashed, helping the team stay focused on our shared goals.
This teamwork resulted in organizing awareness events and campaigns that brought attention to mental health challenges in our communities. Through this process, I learned the importance of combining individual strengths and perspectives to create innovative solutions and make a collective impact.
Similarly, my time as a volunteer in Denizli, Turkey, allowed me to collaborate with international volunteers and teachers to support children with disabilities. We worked as a team to develop engaging activities tailored to the children’s emotional and social needs. Overcoming language barriers and cultural differences, we created an inclusive learning environment, proving that collaboration transcends borders and strengthens impact.
These experiences reinforced my belief that real change happens when we work together—a mindset I aim to expand through the UPG Sustainability Leadership Program. By collaborating with like-minded individuals and learning from their ideas and approaches, I hope to enhance my leadership and teamwork skills to launch my project focused on youth mental health awareness in my city.

Volunteering is an act of selflessness and compassion where an individual willingly offers their time, skills, and resources to help others without expecting any financial or material reward in return. To me, volunteering is more than just an activity—it’s a way of life. It’s about making a positive impact, no matter how big or small, and creating a ripple effect of kindness and generosity. Through volunteering, I’ve found a sense of purpose and fulfillment that has not only shaped who I am today but also continues to inspire me to give back and be part of something greater than myself.

Over the years, my volunteering experiences have taught me invaluable life lessons—empathy, gratitude, and resilience. I’ve learned that change doesn’t happen in isolation but through collaboration and teamwork, where we come together to achieve shared goals. These experiences have helped me recognize the power of human connection and how we can uplift each other by offering support, encouragement, and shared knowledge.
One of my most transformative volunteering experiences was with AIESEC in Denizli, Turkey, where I worked at a center for children with disabilities. My role involved assisting teachers in developing educational activities, providing emotional support, and helping children improve their cognitive and social skills. This experience exposed me to the challenges faced by vulnerable groups and strengthened my patience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. I learned how to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and supported, which deepened my passion for mental health advocacy and social inclusion.

This experience was not only about giving back but also about learning and growing as an individual. It helped me develop practical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, which I continue to apply in both my personal and professional life. It also allowed me to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, giving me a global perspective on how communities face and overcome challenges.
Additionally, my involvement with the Chabeb Connect Program in Tunisia provided me with a platform to organize workshops and awareness campaigns focusing on mental health and youth empowerment. Collaborating with like-minded individuals from diverse regions of Tunisia taught me the importance of teamwork and effective leadership in driving social change. It reinforced my belief that sustainable solutions require shared efforts and collective action.

Through this program, I gained firsthand experience in planning, coordinating, and managing community-based initiatives, which sparked my desire to design and lead projects in my hometown. It also helped me refine my public speaking, facilitation, and event-planning skills, preparing me to take on more leadership roles in the future.

These experiences have given me the confidence and motivation to pursue my passion for mental health advocacy and develop initiatives that address youth mental health challenges. Volunteering allowed me to discover my true interests and inspired me to take steps toward creating positive, sustainable change in my community. I firmly believe that real change begins with ourselves. If we want to improve our communities, we must first work on developing our skills, broadening our perspectives, and expanding our networks. This is why I value opportunities like the UPG Sustainability Leadership Program, which provides a platform for collaboration and shared learning. It allows individuals like me to connect with others who share similar goals, exchange ideas, and discover new ways to create impact.

I also see volunteering as an opportunity to be a lifelong learner. My experiences have shown me that every interaction, challenge, and success contributes to my personal and professional growth. Volunteering has enabled me to step outside my comfort zone, adapt to new environments, and strengthen my ability to work in teams toward shared goals.

One quote that resonates deeply with my philosophy is “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”—Helen Keller. I believe this perfectly captures the essence of volunteering and the power of collaborative efforts. Whether working with children in Turkey or advocating for mental health awareness in Tunisia, I have always sought to bring people together to drive positive action. In conclusion, volunteering has been a journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery. It has given me the chance to develop essential skills, form meaningful connections, and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. It has taught me that true leadership is about serving others, inspiring change, and empowering communities.

As I continue this journey, I remain committed to using my experiences and skills to create sustainable solutions for the challenges we face. I also hope to inspire others to find their purpose through service, just as volunteering has inspired me to pursue my dreams and build a better future.

Undergraduate: I have completed an undergraduate degree

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project in my community, it would focus on creating a “Youth Mental Health Awareness and Empowerment Hub.” Growing up in southern Tunisia, I witnessed how the lack of mental health awareness and resources led many youth, including my brother and friends, to drop out of school and struggle silently. This project aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health, provide accessible support systems, and empower youth to take charge of their well-being and futures. It will focus on three key areas: awareness, resources, and empowerment. Through workshops, school events, and campaigns, the hub will promote mental health education, offer screenings and peer support groups, and train youth leaders to act as mental health ambassadors.

Mental health is deeply tied to sustainability because it impacts education, equality, and community resilience, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 4: Quality Education, and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. Addressing mental health ensures long-term stability, enabling youth to thrive personally and professionally while contributing positively to society.

Drawing from my experiences with Soliya Connect, Chabeb Connect, and volunteering in Turkey with AIESEC, I have developed teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, as well as a collaborative mindset. These experiences have shown me the power of working together to create sustainable solutions, which I aim to implement in my project.

I believe the UPG Sustainability Leadership Program will provide me with the training, tools, and global network needed to refine my vision, scale this initiative, and create a lasting impact. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no result.” Through this program, I am ready to take action and empower others to do the same.

Leading a Youth Mental Health Awareness and Empowerment Hub in my community will undoubtedly come with challenges. The first challenge is the stigma surrounding mental health in my region. Many people view mental health struggles as a sign of weakness or something to be ignored, making it difficult to encourage open conversations and participation. To address this, I will launch awareness campaigns highlighting scientific facts, personal stories, and success stories to normalize discussions and reduce misconceptions. Engaging local influencers, educators, and community leaders as advocates will also help build trust and credibility.

The second challenge is the lack of resources, including trained mental health professionals and financial support to sustain the project. To tackle this, I will collaborate with local organizations, schools, and NGOs to secure partnerships and funding. I will also train youth leaders and volunteers to provide peer support programs, reducing dependence on specialists while ensuring immediate help is available.

Another potential challenge is sustaining long-term engagement from youth and families. To overcome this, the hub will offer interactive workshops, skill-building programs, and support groups designed to keep participants involved. Using digital platforms and social media will further help maintain connections and share resources.

Finally, I understand the personal responsibility of leading this project requires strong leadership, adaptability, and resilience—skills I aim to enhance through the UPG Sustainability Leadership Program. With proper planning, partnerships, and persistence, I am confident that I can turn these challenges into opportunities to create a sustainable impact.

About 100 people

No or Not Yet

I am truly excited about applying for the UPG Sustainability Leadership Program 2025 and sharing my vision for creating positive change. However, due to technical challenges with my recording equipment and internet connection, I am currently unable to submit the required 2-minute video. I sincerely apologize for this inconvenience and want to emphasize my strong commitment to this program and its mission. I hope my written responses effectively reflect my passion, dedication, and readiness to contribute as a UPG Sustainability Leader. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

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