YOWI  Story

Every great movement begins with a spark — a moment when young people decide to take action for something that matters.
For the Youth for Wellness Initiative (YOWI), that spark was wellness — not just the absence of illness, but the presence of strength, knowledge, and purpose in every young person’s life.

Born out of the Copia Health Foundation, YOWI was created to give youth a voice in shaping a healthier, more hopeful Uganda. It began in schools, where passionate students gathered to learn, share, and lead. Through debates, wellness campaigns, and peer mentorship, they discovered something powerful: that health isn’t just personal — it’s communal.

YOWI quickly grew into more than a club; it became a movement — uniting young leaders across communities, driven by compassion, creativity, and courage. Each “Y” in the logo symbolizes a youth standing tall, arms lifted in empowerment and optimism, embodying the belief that wellness begins with us.

Today, YOWI stands as a beacon of youth leadership in health and wellness. Its members champion hygiene, nutrition, mental health, and preventive care — one school, one community, and one choice at a time.

At its heart, YOWI tells a simple story:

When young people are empowered to live well, they transform not only their lives but the world around them.

Because a healthy generation is a hopeful generation — and YOWI is lighting that path forward.