Discover Insights: Queen’s First BCDI Scholar Shares Transformative Experiences in Global Engagement

Sithabile Mngadi-Ncube recently finished a research stay at Queen’s University through the BCDI 2030 scholarship program. Her work centered on mental health, digital innovation, and community empowerment. Sithabile wanted to share her journey and insights for anyone thinking about this opportunity.

While in Canada, she dove into her research and joined discussions on how digital tools can reshape mental health care worldwide. One highlight was her participation in the AIDS Impact Conference in Morocco, where she connected with experts in the field.

Two collaborations stood out for her during this time. First, she helped develop a proposal for a mobile mental health support tool aimed at young people in urban Ghana. This project beautifully blended mental health equity and community involvement. Second, she advanced her Wellcome Trust Early Career grant, which aims to create mental health strategies for youth in South Africa affected by violence. Engaging with Canadian scholars brought fresh perspectives that enriched her project.

A particularly memorable experience was her work with a Program Evaluation student and Ms. Oopik to combine Indigenous and South African cultural approaches to mental health. This collaboration showcased the power of culturally rooted methods in fostering healing.

Sithabile also had a meaningful conversation with Queen’s Principal, Professor Patrick Deane, discussing international collaborations and the university’s role in public health development. This discussion left her hopeful, even amidst challenges in South Africa, such as funding cuts in critical public health research.

Engaging with students was energizing. Delivering a guest lecture on qualitative methods reminded her of the importance of mentorship in academia. Plus, attending the AIDS Impact Conference allowed her to share her insights and lessons learned during the fellowship.

Her views on digital tools for healthcare shifted significantly. Initially, she viewed them as just efficiency boosters, but discussions with experts transformed her view. Now, she sees these tools as essential for equity and social change, especially in youth-driven projects like digital storytelling and apps.

Sithabile gained valuable skills in systems thinking and social enterprise development through the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre course. She learned how to integrate co-creation into program design and is developing a youth-centered digital mental health platform that emphasizes cultural relevance.

For future BCDI 2030 scholars, she has some advice: immerse yourself in cross-cultural opportunities and bring your full identity into your work. Don’t hesitate to seek mentorship from experienced leaders, as their guidance can open many doors. Remember, this experience is more than just a fellowship; it’s a stepping stone for transformative change in public health.

BCDI 2030 is an ambitious eight-year, $80 million program backed by Global Affairs Canada, aimed at fostering meaningful innovations and collaborations across borders in public health and beyond.

You can learn more about Queen’s BCDI Programs here.

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