2025 Pitch Challenge Mentorship Program

February 7, 2025

About the Pitch Challenge Mentorship Program

CORE Group proudly hosted the third Pitch Challenge during the Kenya Regional Global Health Practitioner Conference in October 2024, continuing our commitment to fostering community-driven innovation. This dynamic initiative not only empowers individuals to develop creative solutions to pressing community health challenges but also provides ongoing support through the Pitch Challenge Mentorship Program. The winner, 2nd runner-up, and 3rd runner-up now form the inaugural cohort of this mentorship program, where they will receive guidance from experienced professionals to refine and scale their solutions for greater impact.  

TEAMS AND PROJECTS 

  1. Diversity Innovations Initiative (DIV)
  • Location: Uganda 
  • Project Title: Diversity Health App 
  • Description: 

The Diversity Health App is an innovative digital solution designed to provide Deaf persons in Uganda, including refugees and host communities, with accessible healthcare information and connections to Deaf-friendly healthcare and gender-based violence (GBV) services. The app features a library of video content on health topics delivered in Uganda, DRC, South Sudan, and Burundi Sign Languages, along with contact details for trained health workers, GBV officers, and counselors proficient in Sign Language. Building on a 2021 YouTube pilot that reached over 1,700 users and trained 50 health workers in basic Sign Language skills, the app expands its scope to address diverse health needs and support Deaf refugees. Currently in the testing phase before launch on Google Play, this solution tackles communication barriers in healthcare by ensuring inclusive access to vital services for Deaf communities. 

  1. Kuhenza’s Child Case Management Mobile Application Team
  • Location: Kenya 
  • Project Title: Child Case Management Mobile Application 
  • Description: 

The Child Case Management Mobile Application supports community-based care identification, counseling, and referrals for children with disabilities and their families in Kenya. Launched in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the app has engaged over 50 users, families, developers, students, and engineers to refine its content. By gathering real-time data across Kilifi County’s 35 wards, it helps guide counseling, care, and service referrals for children with disabilities, tripling the support provided by its second year. Utilizing the CommCare platform, the app enables offline use and includes tailored tools like the Washington Group measurements and the Measure Evaluation’s Child Status Index. Features for community leader case management, prioritization, and emergency care provide immediate support to children in crisis. The app serves as a template for organizations seeking m-health solutions to improve inclusivity for children with disabilities. 

  1. Strong Enough Girls’ Empowerment Initiative (SEGEI)
  • Location: Nigeria 
  • Project Title: Indi-Genius Podcast Series 
  • Description: 

The Indi-Genius Podcast Series bridges gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) education for youth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using podcasts as a low-cost, accessible, and youth-friendly platform, the series amplifies the voices of young SRHR leaders from Nigeria and Niger, showcasing their lived experiences and indigenous knowledge. Participants gain skills in advocacy, data management, and social media use, fostering inclusive dialogue and localized solutions to SRHR challenges like adolescent pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and HIV/AIDS. With 20 episodes, over 3,000 social media views, and significant community engagement, Indi-Genius exemplifies the power of indigenous leadership in creating sustainable, responsive SRHR interventions.   

PROGRAM DETAILS 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:  Mentors: 

  • Must be CORE Group Members or part of CORE Group’s International Community Health Network. 
  • Should possess at least 7+ years of experience in global community health and/or relevant areas in international development. 
  • Experience must align with the goals and skills sought by the mentee team. 
  • Mentors can be based anywhere globally, but must have access to reliable, virtual communication for meetings 

  Mentee Teams: 

  • Must be winners or runners-up from CORE Group’s Pitch Challenge. 

 

COMMITMENT: 

Both mentors and mentee teams agree to participate in the program for a full calendar year. Mentors are expected to dedicate 1–2 hours per month for mentorship activities during the first six months. After this period, the frequency can be adjusted to every other month, depending on the mentee team’s requirements.  Mentorship activities may include, but are not limited to, regular communication via email or phone, reviewing work plans, offering guidance and strategic advice, career development support, and connecting mentee teams with relevant contacts and resources.  The Communications and Advocacy Coordinator will request updates on the mentorship to monitor progress, provide guidance, and offer additional support as needed to ensure a meaningful and productive mentorship experience.   

BENEFITS OF MENTORS: 

  • Recognition in Pitch Challenge promotional materials and events. 
  • Opportunities to network with innovative teams and global health professionals. 
  • Personal fulfillment in supporting the next generation of community health innovators. 
  • One-year free membership to CORE Group 
  • One free registration to CORE Group’s Global Health Practitioner’s Conference 

  PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS & REQUIREMENTS 

Requirements  
  • Participants in the Mentorship Program are asked to commit to a full calendar year of engagement. 
  • Throughout the program, mentors and mentee teams will collaborate to refine and enhance the Mentee Teamwork Plans, focusing on detailing specific activities, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and other key components. 
  • Regular meetings—held monthly, either virtually or in person—are expected during the first six months of the program to foster progress and ensure alignment. 
  • To support continuous improvement, participants are encouraged to provide feedback by completing mid-year check-ins and closing evaluation surveys. 
  • Above all, program interactions should be guided by responsiveness, respect, honesty, and kindness, fostering a supportive and productive mentorship experience. 

 

Expectations   
  • Use your knowledge and experience to help your Mentee Team identify and hone-in on project strengths, and work on weaknesses 
  • Use your network to help Mentee Team with organizational and career growth/opportunities 
  • Support and guide your Mentee Team on professional and technical skills building  
  • Share relevant resources such as articles, journals, reports, etc.  
  • Challenge the Mentee Team 

 
  • Discuss project challenges with the Mentee Team 
  • Share relevant resources such as articles, journals, reports, etc. with the Mentee Team 
  • Follow through on commitments made with the Mentee Team 

     

 

APPLICATION PROCESS 

Interested individuals are invited to submit the following documents: 

  1. Application Form: Complete the form detailing your professional background, mentorship experience, and motivation for applying. This form will help us understand your relevant experience and how you can contribute to the Pitch Challenge mentorship program. 
  1. CV/Resume: Provide a detailed CV or resume that highlights your relevant expertise and experience in global community health or international development. 
  1. Availability Statement: Confirm your availability for the one-year Pitch Challenge mentorship period, including the monthly time commitment for mentoring activities. 
  1. Submission Link: Please complete your application via the SurveyMonkey form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Preview/?sm=TO4VOqYJmCXoYt9a6NeOuv0vnLHiP42dAbzaTBFpjHu0S5FiXEoazIv_2ByLjW5NSL 

    CONTACT  For inquiries, please contact the Communication and Advocacy Coordinator, Kate Kabore, at kkabore@coregroup.org