Abdul Karim Sesay, a resilient mental health advocate, has been crowned the tech champion at the 2024 edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP). Three years ago, Sesay was diagnosed with a mental health disorder, leading to his withdrawal from school and a challenging journey towards healing and recovery.
During the 6th local edition of the OSVP pitch night in Freetown, Sesay shared his powerful story with the audience, detailing his struggles with suicidal thoughts and emotional distress. Despite facing overwhelming adversity, Sesay found the strength to persevere and eventually began to envision a future where mental health issues are openly discussed and supported in Sierra Leone.
Motivated by his experiences, Sesay developed Emotions, a mobile application designed to provide personalized therapeutic solutions for mental health disorders. The app allows users to engage in cognitive exercises, connect with specialists, share their stories, and access a range of therapeutic resources, including music and movies – elements that had played a vital role in Sesay’s own healing process.
During his pitch at the OSVP event, Sesay captivated the audience and judges with his innovative tech solution, ultimately earning the grand prize of NLe200,000 (approximately $9,000). His groundbreaking work with Emotions aims to challenge societal stigmas surrounding mental health and provide much-needed support and resources for individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
Sesay’s inspiring journey and dedication to transforming mental health discourse in Sierra Leone has earned him a spot in the upcoming OSVP international competition. With his impactful work and visionary mindset, Sesay continues to make a significant impact in the realm of mental health advocacy and tech innovation.