About Us
Our Story
Ilera was born out of a deep conviction to change the narrative around mental health in Africa. The journey began when our founder, Zoe Alexandra, watched a documentary that exposed the harsh reality of young people struggling with mental health issues and addiction. Many were chained up, left without emotional support, and forced to navigate their pain alone.
This heartbreaking reality ignited a passion in Zoe to take action. She knew that young Africans deserved better—a system that not only acknowledges mental health but actively works to support, educate, and empower them.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Meet The Founder
Zoe Alexandra
Zoe Alexandra is a passionate advocate for mental health education and emotional well-being in Africa. With a background in global health and policy, Zoe has dedicated her life to bridging the gap between mental health awareness and accessible education. Her personal journey, combined with her professional expertise, drives Ilera’s mission to create sustainable, community-driven solutions for young Africans.
In addition to founding Ilera, Zoe is the host of Matters of the Heart, a faith-based podcast that focuses on helping women heal from emotional trauma and grow in intimacy with Jesus. Through her podcast, she provides a safe space for women to navigate their healing journey with biblical wisdom and practical strategies. Her work in both mental health and spiritual growth underscores her dedication to holistic well-being for individuals and communities.
Zoe is also the author of two children’s books, I Have a Friend Girl & Boy Edition, and an esteemed Health Tech Governance Consultant, working to improve digital safety and cybersecurity. Beyond her professional work, she leads She Overcomes, a ministry dedicated to helping young women build intimacy with the Lord, understand their identity, and grow in Christ. Through mentorship and faith-based guidance, she is committed to equipping women to walk confidently in their purpose.
Our Values
Compassion
We believe every young person deserves understanding, care, and support.
Education
Knowledge is the foundation of emotional well-being. We prioritise accessible and practical mental health education.
Empowerment
We equip young people and educators with tools to take control of their mental health.
Community
Healing happens in safe, supportive spaces. We foster environments where young people can connect and grow.
Cultural Relevance
Mental health approaches must resonate with African traditions, values, and lived experiences.
Sustainability
We are committed to long-term impact by investing in the next generation of African mental health professionals.
Our Approach
At Ilera, we believe that mental health education should be a fundamental part of the learning experience for every young person. Our approach focuses on integrating mental health support into educational settings, empowering students, teachers, and communities to prioritise emotional well-being.
Incorporating Mental Health into Lessons
We design educational programmes that teach students about emotional intelligence, coping mechanisms, and stress management. Our lessons include real-life applications, storytelling, and culturally relevant discussions that resonate with African communities.
Training Teachers and Staff
Educators play a crucial role in shaping the mental well-being of their students. We provide training to help teachers identify early signs of distress, offer appropriate support, and practise self-care to maintain their own well-being.
Leveraging Community Support
Schools alone cannot address mental health challenges. We partner with local organisations, religious groups, and mental health professionals to provide accessible counselling services and community-driven interventions.
Promoting Peer Support Programmes
We encourage student-led initiatives such as peer mentoring programmes and mental health ambassador networks. These programmes empower young people to support one another, reduce stigma, and create safe spaces for open conversations about mental health.
Through this holistic approach, Ilera is building a future where mental health education is not a privilege but a fundamental right for every young African.