EmpowerHer, Kibera

In Kenya, one in four people seeking medical help has a mental illness. The most common are depression and anxiety disorders, followed by substance abuse problems. Many do not have adequate access to social and medical care, live in poor housing conditions and are exposed to domestic violence. Women, girls (including teenage mothers) and children in particular suffer from these conditions. In these difficult times, characterized by the effects of the Corona pandemic and rising living costs, mental health support and psychosocial help is more important than ever. Mental health problems often arise from social inequalities and can also exacerbate them. Therefore, it is the most vulnerable communities that are in urgent need of support. Unfortunately, awareness of mental health in Kenyan society is often low, which means that many do not receive adequate help. Slum communities are particularly hard hit, with little access to education, work and hygiene facilities. As a result, they are often exposed to violence and social unrest.

Kibera, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, is home to over 250,000 people who are affected by poverty and have limited access to basic services such as healthcare, sanitation and education. Mental health is a major challenge in Kibera, with high rates of depression, anxiety, trauma and substance abuse. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of mental health services and resources.

Our partner organisation provides education as well as a safe space for the mothers and children to develop and receive support. A particular focus is on the highly stigmatized issue of mental health. Coaching, therapies, emergency services and educational opportunities are intended to provide a remedy. This is because mental health is often not talked about, there is a lack of support and many people, especially underage single mothers, are left alone with their massive problems and traumas.

The primary target group are women, adolescent mothers and children living in Kibera who need mental health, education and development support.

A Kibera Community Mental Health Center will be established in Kibera to provide comprehensive and accessible mental health services to the local community. The center is specifically designed to address the significant lack of mental health resources and services in the area while promoting mental health awareness and education within the community. The primary beneficiaries will be the residents of Kibera, especially those struggling with mental health issues, as well as their families and caregivers. People of all ages, genders and backgrounds are welcome.

The community mental health center will offer a range of activities, including mental health assessment and referral, individual and group counseling, and therapy sessions. Similarly, training for local mental health professionals and volunteers will be developed and offered.

Complementing these efforts will be sustainable livelihood programs tailored specifically for adolescent mothers and youth living in Kibera. Special sessions will be held to address the specific needs of young mothers and adolescents, including the dissemination of information on available opportunities in schools.

Through programming and computer courses, the health center will provide adolescent mothers with important skills that will improve their employment prospects and promote their independence.

Together, we want to bring change by positively impacting the lives of teenage mothers and their children.

With your support, the community mental health center will be built and furnished. In addition, your support helps us to offer educational programs at the center.