Meet Godwin Chiluka: A Champion for Sustainable Development and Mental Health Advocacy
Godwin Chiluka, a 23-year-old medical student from Ndola, Zambia, is a remarkable advocate for sustainable development and health equity. Studying at The Copperbelt University School of Medicine, Godwin’s life is a testament to resilience, leadership, and a passion for creating lasting change. His journey has been shaped by personal challenges and the struggles of his community, fueling his drive to uplift others and champion causes that matter most.
Growing up in a rural farming community in southern Zambia, Godwin experienced firsthand the realities of limited resources and low literacy rates. His mother, a dedicated teacher at a special school for differently-abled children, became his earliest inspiration. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing her students’ potential planted the seeds of empathy, leadership, and service within him.
However, Godwin’s journey was not without its struggles. As a child, he faced emotional challenges that brought him to the brink of despair. Surviving this difficult time ignited a lifelong dedication to mental health advocacy, a cause he now holds close to his heart.
Godwin began sharing his story through poetry, using his words to connect with others who might be navigating similar battles. His commitment to service expanded when he co-founded Tufwike Zambia, an organization dedicated to providing essential resources like clothing and school materials to vulnerable communities. As Organizer General and media head, Godwin worked tirelessly to expand the organization’s reach, forming partnerships and fostering grassroots initiatives that transformed lives.
In university, Godwin’s advocacy efforts grew even stronger. He joined Youth SDG, helping organize Zambia’s largest event focused on advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By 2024, the Youth SDGs Summit had grown to include over 1,500 changemakers, creating a vibrant space for collaboration and innovation.
Godwin also co-founded the Mental Matters Movement, a mental health awareness initiative that has blossomed into a community of over 500 members. From supporting differently-abled individuals to addressing the intersections of climate change and mental health, the movement has led impactful campaigns that continue to inspire and educate. A career-defining moment came when Godwin was selected to present the Youth Declaration at the African Youth Forum on Mental Health and Substance Use, addressing the African Union and solidifying his role as a leader in mental health advocacy.
Beyond his advocacy, Godwin is deeply invested in research. His studies on chronic disease management, particularly diabetes care in rural South Africa and Zambia, have highlighted healthcare inequities in resource-limited contexts. He aims to influence policies that create more inclusive, culturally sensitive healthcare systems.
Godwin’s impact is far-reaching. His initiatives have touched over 1,000 young people, inspiring them to recognize their potential as changemakers. Through his work, he is building a healthier, more empowered Zambia while reminding us all that resilience and dedication can transform lives.
