Strength To Strength| Kenya August 2023

At Africa Healing Foundation, we are committed to enhancing the lives of families by tackling health inequalities and poverty. We firmly believe that access to health is a fundamental right for everyone. This year, we embarked on a groundbreaking initiative in Kandara, Kenya, known as ‘Stress to Strength: Empowering Rural Youth and Seniors for Resilience.’

In collaboration with Professors Without Borders, we dedicated two impactful days to provide quality health education to those with limited access to mental health information and support. Our project touched the lives of 89 participants, comprising 50 young individuals and 39 seniors.

Our holistic approach included mental health education sessions covering anxiety, stress management, crisis management, and self-love. Practical exercises, such as role-playing for anxiety identification, creating mental health stigma campaigns, and engaging in low-resource fitness activities, were integrated. We highlighted the connection between physical activity and mental health, offering accessible means to improve well-being.

Key Learnings:

1. Stress Management: Identified as the most impactful session, stress management resonated with both young and senior participants facing challenges such as unemployment, family breakdowns, and limited mental health access.

2. Community Stigma: Participants highlighted the absence of mental health support in their community, resulting in stigma and silent struggles. This underscores the urgent need to expand mental health services in remote areas.

3. Socio-economic Factors: The project uncovered links between high unemployment rates and increased substance use and criminal behavior, emphasizing the interconnected nature of mental health and socio-economic factors.

4. Single Mothers’ Struggles: Unique challenges faced by young single mothers were addressed, acknowledging cultural beliefs and stigma. Specific support for this demographic is crucial for inclusivity in mental health services.

5. Community Engagement: Involving the entire community in mental health awareness and support initiatives can reduce stigma and promote equity in access to resources.

Moving forward, our strategic plan involves the development of sustainable, comprehensive long-term programs aimed at delving into mental health topics and fostering skill development. Simultaneously, we’re establishing a robust community support network, deploying mental health first aiders and peer mentors for continual assistance within the community. 

Our holistic approach recognises the interconnected nature of mental well-being, incorporating diverse sessions on personal finance, job readiness, conflict resolution, family dynamics, personal development, and leadership. Additionally, we plan to leverage technology for wider outreach, integrate community-based support groups, provide cultural sensitivity training, implement community development projects, conduct ongoing research, and advocate at various levels to prioritize mental health services in rural areas. These initiatives collectively aim to create lasting positive change in the lives of those we serve.

Your support can make a profound impact on our mission to tackle health inequalities and poverty in rural communities. By donating to Africa Healing Foundation, you become a catalyst for positive change, enabling us to continue empowering individuals and fostering sustainable well-being.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us expand our programs, reach more communities, and create lasting change. Your generosity directly contributes to the development of long-term initiatives, the establishment of support networks, the integration of technology for wider outreach, and the implementation of community development projects.

Join us in transforming lives, one community at a time. Your donation is not just a financial contribution; it’s an investment in the well-being and resilience of families in need. Make a difference today by donating to the Africa Healing Foundation. Your support is the key to building healthier, more equitable communities. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission.