Design a Programme That Bridges Faith Communities and Mental Health Support in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the church and the mosque are the de facto mental health referral system — not by design, but by default. Pastors and imams hear about depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and domestic abuse every week. Many respond with prayer alone, not from callousness but from lack of training and referral pathways. Your challenge is to design a structured programme that equips faith leaders — in one denomination or tradition — to recognise mental health crises, respond safely, and refer appropriately. The programme must be acceptable to the faith community and not require leaders to become therapists. Submit: programme curriculum (outline), training model, referral pathway, how mental health professionals are involved, a rollout plan for one church or mosque community, and how you would measure impact. Judging criteria: 35% cultural and religious sensitivity, 30% clinical safety, 25% feasibility, 10% measurement approach.