News and Blog
3rd Annual MHPSS in Peacebuilding Co-creation Workshop
November 16, 2024
For three days, a vibrant community of 47 mental health professionals from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, US, and Finland gathered for an intensive workshop on mental health and psychosocial support. The third annual MHPSS in Peacebuilding Co-creation Workshop took place at the Mnarani Beach Club, Kilifi County, Kenya, from 11 to 14 November 2024. The event was a whirlwind of knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and cross-cultural collaboration under the theme Holding the Circle Holder: Navigating Our Own Challenges with Trauma and Wellbeing.
The workshop, whose participants came from three organizations including SCCoDev, Mandeeq, and ThinkPeace, delved into the latest evidence-based practices for addressing mental health challenges, exploring topics such as trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and crisis intervention. Participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, and interactive exercises, fostering a deep understanding of complex mental health issues.
One of the highlights was a panel discussion featuring renowned experts in the field, who shared their insights on the global landscape of mental health. This session sparked lively debates and inspired participants to think critically about innovative approaches to mental health care.
Beyond the formal sessions, the workshop also provided ample opportunities for networking and building lasting relationships. Participants bonded over shared experiences, exchanged contact information, and formed collaborative partnerships to address mental health challenges in their respective communities.
As the workshop concluded, a sense of optimism and empowerment filled the room. Participants left with a renewed commitment to promoting mental well-being and a toolkit of practical skills to implement in their work. The three-day gathering was not just a workshop; it was a catalyst for positive change, igniting a global movement to prioritize mental health and foster resilience in individuals and communities worldwide.
Circle Holders Workshop
July 13, 2024
In a quest to promote social healing in communities affected by different forms of societal conflicts including Violent Extremism, GBV, drug/substance abuse, Tribal clashes, issues of intersex among others, Shalom Center for Counselling and Development (SCCoDev) together with Akilimali Associate held a 3-day circle meeting from 10 – 12 July 2024 in Nairobi. The meeting, which was held for circle holders in Mt. Elgon, Nairobi and Coast regions, was meant to give a reflection on the ongoing activities in the community levels conducted by the members. It was also convened to bring stakeholders – from different community programs – together before having bigger activities which would need a unified voice in championing for peace, trauma healing and social justice.
Attended by a total number of 17 peace and social justice circle holders, the meeting was a platform for members to recount some of the impacts, successes and challenges faced as they conduct their community social duties, and thereby exchanging ideas on how best they can serve their respective communities. Thereafter, a co-creation workshop that is to take place in November was planned, with the main purpose of celebrating the efforts of social healing in communities.
Strategic Plan Meeting
May 27, 2024
SCCoDev together with Akilimali Associate had a 3-day meeting from 23-25 May 2024 in Nairobi for the purpose of coming up with a 3-year National Healing and Reconciliation Strategic Plan for the two organizations.
In developing the new strategic plan, the organizations have considered improving on their milestones, and to enhance operations at the community levels. Through this meeting, it was learnt that peace, national healing and reconciliation are a process, not just a goal. National healing and reconciliation is better achieved through synergies, collaboration, and strategic partnerships; participatory approaches in peacebuilding are effective in enhancing sustainability, ownership and collaboration; and that unresolved violent conflicts remain among the primary obstacles to national healing and reconciliation in Kenya.
