Ustawi: The Power of Community

Green String Network

Africa

2018

2024-25 Scale-up project

Presentation of the project

Ustawi addresses the critical need for accessible mental health support and economic empowerment among African youth (18-35) in conflict-affected areas. Their mobile-first platform integrates virtual peer support circles led by trained “Circle Keepers” within a 12-week Well-being & Resilience program. The app delivers culturally rich, healing-centered content through animated stories and interactive modules.

In partnership with Onkout, a fintech company, Ustawi is pioneering an approach that links mental health improvement with economic opportunities to disrupt cycles of poverty, violence, and trauma by fostering resilience and strengthening community bonds. With funding support from the German Development Bank (KfW), they are finalizing their beta design for a planned 2025 launch in Somalia, followed by an expansion across East Africa. In the long-term, Ustawi aims to reduce trauma symptoms, boost financial stability, and help build thriving communities across the African continent.

Presentation of the organization

Green String Network (GSN) is a small Kenyan NGO operating in the Horn of Africa. With over 8 years of experience, GSN focuses on social healing and trauma-informed peacebuilding at the community level in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

GSN’s evidence-based approach has shown significant decreases in PTSD symptoms and improved community trust. Key initiatives include: peer support groups, collaboration with Kenyan National Police Service, and healing-centered peacebuilding that addresses various forms of violence. GSN’s scalable, community-owned methodology offers the potential for widespread impact in violence prevention and community healing across Africa.

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