Antigua and Barbuda’s WISH Receives Prestigious UNESCO x SEVENTEEN Global Youth Grant

The Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing (WISH) has been selected as one of 100 global grantees of the UNESCO x SEVENTEEN ‘Going Together – For Youth Creativity and Well-Being’ initiative. This prestigious grant recognizes the innovative and impactful work of WISH in advancing mental health and well-being in Antigua and Barbuda.

The grant program, made possible by a $1 million USD donation from SEVENTEEN, UNESCO’s first-ever Goodwill Ambassador for Youth, supports youth-led projects that address critical global challenges. With over 2300 applications from 140 countries, WISH’s selection highlights its unique approach to fostering self-care and mental health awareness in the Caribbean.

WISH was founded by Chaneil Imhoff, an award-winning entrepreneur, communications specialist, and mental health advocate. Ms. Imhoff, who serves as the organization’s Mental Health Advocate and Head of Strategic Partnerships, has been instrumental in reshaping mental health narratives in Antigua and Barbuda. Her professional expertise in communications and her dedication to mental health advocacy have allowed WISH to reach diverse audiences and create meaningful impact.

“This grant is not just a win for WISH; it’s a victory for Antigua and Barbuda,” said Ms. Imhoff. “It reaffirms the importance of addressing mental health as a community and inspires us to continue breaking the silence and shattering stigmas around mental health in the region.”

The WISH team brings together a multidisciplinary group of professionals dedicated to holistic mental health solutions:

Police Constable Blaire Cornwall brings a crucial law enforcement perspective and crisis intervention expertise to our team. Her experience in handling community crises and understanding of emergency response protocols strengthens our ability to develop effective crisis intervention strategies.

Raisa Charles, our Gender and Communications Specialist, ensures our programs address the intersection of gender and mental health while maintaining effective communication with all stakeholders. Her expertise in gender-sensitive programming helps ensure our mental health support strategies are accessible and appropriate for all community members.

Makeida Antonio, our Public Relations Professional, manages our external communications. Her expertise in public relations ensures consistent, professional communication with stakeholders while building public awareness of mental health issues. Ms. Antonio’s work strengthens our community presence and helps maintain productive relationships with partners and supporters.

The UNESCO x SEVENTEEN grant will support WISH’s ongoing programs, including mental health workshops, public awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering individuals to prioritize self-care and healing. As part of the grant, WISH will also benefit from training sessions and mentorship to amplify its impact and sustainability.

This recognition follows a series of achievements by WISH, which was launched on October 10, 2024. Under Ms. Imhoff’s leadership, WISH continues to revolutionize mental health care and foster a culture of well-being in Antigua and Barbuda.