You Matter Program

Project Overview

You Matter is a self-development initiative that offers life coaching, mentorship, and counseling to individuals – particularly youth and young adults (ages 15-35) – empowering them to recognize their worth, cultivate emotional resilience, and take ownership of their life paths. This project focuses on holistic growth through personal coaching, guided mentorship, and professional counseling support.

Vision

To build a society where every individual is emotionally whole, confident in their purpose, and committed to living a meaningful life.

Mission

To affirm the value of each person and empower them through structured self-development, mentorship, coaching, and counseling that nurtures inner healing, clarity, and purpose.

Objectives

To help participants understand and embrace their identity and worth.
To offer personal development tools and life skills training.
To provide a safe space for emotional healing through counseling.
To build a supportive community through mentorship.
To reduce anxiety, depression, and hopelessness in young people.

Target Audience

Youth and young adults (ages 15-35)
Individuals facing mental health challenges, life confusion, or emotional pain
Students, unemployed youth, or early-career professionals in need of direction and healing

Core Program Components

a) Self – Development Workshops

Discovering self-worth and identity
Vision and goal-setting
Emotional resilience and discipline

b) Life Coaching Program

One-on-one and group coaching
Confidence building and life mapping
Breaking self-limiting beliefs

c) Mentorship Program

Trained mentors and life role models
Peer support circles
Regular follow-ups and growth tracking

d) Professional Counseling Services

Trauma-informed counseling sessions
Grief, stress, anxiety, and relationship counseling
Referral pathways to clinical support when necessary
Safe and confidential spaces for emotional processing

e) “You Matter” Talks & Wellness Events

Motivational sessions by coaches and therapists
Healing circles and storytelling sessions
Mental health awareness campaigns

Implementation Strategy & Timeline

Phase 1: Planning and Preparation (Month 1-2)

Finalize project framework and materials
Recruit and train life coaches, mentors, and counselors
Identify pilot schools/ communities/ churches
Develop workshop content and tools
Design branding, social media presence, and outreach strategy
Responsible: Project Manager, Training Coordinator, Communications Lead

Phase 2: Pilot Rollout (Month 3-5)

Conduct baseline assessments (mental health, self-esteem, etc.)
Deliver workshops in 3-5 pilot locations
Launch life coaching and counseling sessions
Begin mentorship pairings
Monitor attendance, engagement, and early feedback
Responsible: Facilitators, Coaches, Counselor, Site Coordinators

Phase 3: Full Program Implementation (Month 6-11)

Expand program to additional schools/ communities
Run regular group coaching and counseling sessions
Host monthly “You Matter” talks or wellness events
Provide ongoing mentor check-ins and growth tracking
Collect mid-program feedback and adjust where needed
Responsible: Program Team, Mentorship Coordinator, M&E officer

Phase 4: Review, Graduation & Scale-Up (Month 12)

Conduct post-program assessments and evaluations
Host graduation or recognition ceremony
Compile reports, testimonials, and impact stories
Identify opportunities for scale-up or partnerships
Prepare for Year 2 or second cohort implementation
Responsible: M&E Officer, Project Manager, Event Planner

Cross-Cutting Elements

Monitoring & Evaluation: Surveys, journaling, attendance, and feedback loops
Partnership Management: Engagement with schools, churches, funders, etc.
Communication & Advocacy: Media updates, success stories, and stakeholder briefings
Wellbeing & Safeguarding: Ensure emotional safety and confidentiality of participants

Risk Management

Risk

Low participation
Burnout of staff or volunteers
Funding limitations
Stigma around mental health

Mitigation

Partner with local influencers, schools, churches for trust and reach
Provide emotional support and training refreshers
Diversify income through donors, events, and small business partnerships
Use safe language, trusted counselors, and storytelling to normalize help

Key Performance Indicators

Participation: Number of youth enrolled per year
Impact: % improvement in self-esteem, emotional resilience
Support Systems: Number of active mentors and counselors
Outreach: Number of schools/ communities reached
Sustainability: % of funding secured from partners/donors

Expected Outcomes

Greater self-awareness, healing, and personal responsibility
Enhanced emotional well-being and resilience
Decrease in cases of untreated trauma, depression, or anxiety
Improved academic, professional, and social outcomes
Sustainable mentor and counselor support networks