Simuka Africa Team Newsletter: Jan. 16, 2026
Hello, All! Thank you to all Q1 staff who attended the Jan. 10th Creative Career Focus Meeting. It was great to see you! In case you missed it, here are some highlights:
Be advised that men comprised the highest number of suicide notifications we received during 2025. Financial hardship, grief, job loss/unemployment, toxic work/school environments, family conflicts, and caregiving responsibilities were the top cited reasons for mental health distress.
Male contributors are encouraged to submit article features that speak to their own experience dealing with these situations in healthy and productive ways.
A.I. and A.I. integration will impact every industry and aspect of Internet interaction globally in 2026. Simuka Africa will continue to provide career training and opportunities weekly to keep you competitive regarding these shifts.
We encourage staff to also utilize the Art Therapy Open Call Themes, use your assignments as creative exercises, and try out peer support groups on HeyPeers.
The next Creative Career Focus Meeting will be Feb. 21, 2025. Register here.
Administrative Updates
Simuka Africa & The 34 Gallery publish heart-based, trauma-informed content based on the UN SDG framework. For tips on how to create trauma-informed work, listen to the When Bearing Witness® Podcast.
Content scheduling is shaped by global events and outreach feedback. Open Call content and Professionals in crisis or going in for interviews are also given priority publication.
Be advised: We currently have 11 artists sheltering in place due to societal unrest or war zone conditions. Several will be featured during the Solitary and Awakening Radiance daily art rotation. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to like the posts and support their journeys of resilience.
Be Advised: Simuka Africa & The 34 Gallery departed from Twitter/X in March due to the high rate of bullying and suicidal ideation on this platform. A regulatory firestorm also now surrounds Grok.
Additional Assignments for those with time in their schedules:
1) We need an article summary of the WHO mhGap.
2) Somatic Awareness: Definition & Exercises.
3) The mental health benefits of playing an instrument and/or dance.
4) Dealing with anger (self-care, workplace, general stress).
5) Submit a self-care playlist for our YouTube channel. Include a description of what each song means to you.
Food for Thought
The United Nations System
An Introduction to UN OICT
An Introduction to UNOICT: #DigitalUnite
An Introduction to the UN AI Advisory Body
An introduction to the UNFCCC
WorldBank Live hosts interactive webinars throughout the year to assist you in your career field. Browse the 2025 webinars here.
AI Knowledge: Does artificial intelligence help in improving human capital based educational development? Evidence from 29 countries
AI Knowledge II: Harnessing generative AI: Reviewing applications, challenges, and solutions for out-of-school children in developing regions
AI Knowledge III: Learn AI tips from Enovair Partners on Youtube. Includes new A.I. tools and how to use them.
AI in Health: EMA and FDA set common principles for AI in medicine development
AI in Education: Human-at-the-Helm: Imagining AI’s Role in Mentoring Programs
Global AI Summit 2025 Video: AI, a powerful tool Africa can't afford not to use
Opportunities
Work Tip: Try reading “Escaping the Comparison Trap.” Remember that your career journey is uniquely your own. Last year was intense. Give yourself grace to breathe. Please note that competition for these positions can be intense. Apply immediately:
UN Careers - the primary UN career hub
UNJOBNET - daily UN & UN Affiliate job listing updates
UNJOBNET: Remote Positions
The Massage Therapy Foundation offers two types of research grants.
Elevate Africa Fellowship 2026 (Cohort II) | Fully Funded Leadership Programme
The Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership & Advocacy Course 2026, taking place March 2–13, 2026 at the University of Zimbabwe, Harare.
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Final Thoughts
Remember part of your training on this assignment is to cultivate a mandatory self-care routine. Start the day with The Good News Network or Waterbear for positive, impactful stories instead of doomscrolling. Don't wait until your mind and body decide to veto your schedule without your input. It's better if your mind, body & spirit are all on the same page!
May light, peace & joy always be with you.
