An Overview of Our Initiatives

Nguzo Women and Youth Foundation's mental health programs are tailored for in-school and out-of-school youth aged 10-24. We are committed to promoting the mental well-being of young people through our comprehensive mental health programs. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by both in-school and out-of-school youth, we have developed tailored initiatives to address their specific needs and circumstances.

In-School Mental Health Programs:

In collaboration with Mental Health Institutions, our in-school mental health programs aim to equip students with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of adolescence with resilience and confidence. Through integrated curriculum modules, peer support groups, counseling services, and teacher training workshops, we foster a supportive school environment that prioritizes mental health awareness and emotional well-being.

Out-of-School Mental Health Programs:

For out-of-school youth who lack access to traditional support structures, our community-based mental health programs offer a lifeline of hope and empowerment. Through a combination of workshops, peer-led support groups, recreational activities, and digital outreach initiatives, we provide young people with the resources and support they need to cope with challenges, build resilience, and thrive in their communities.

Our Approach:

Our mental health programs are guided by evidence-based practices and delivered by trained professionals who are dedicated to supporting the unique needs of youth. We prioritize inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and accessibility, ensuring that our programs are available to all young people, regardless of background or circumstance. By fostering a culture of open dialogue, acceptance, and support, we empower youth to seek help when needed and to prioritize their mental health as an essential component of their overall well-being.

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Standard Seven Mental Health Intervention

Nguzo Women and Youth Foundation collaborated with Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre and Hai District Hospital to celebrate World Mental Health Day throughout the week of October 10 in 2020. We managed to conduct Mental Health Sessions for all Standard Seven scholars from our five partner schools in Bomang’ombe Hai.  These sessions were conducted by doctors from the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Department of Mental Health and Psychology, and was supervised by the District mental health coordinator from Hai District Council under District Medical Officer Department.

Objective: Equip Standard Seven students with coping skills, education on mental health, explanation of the exam day process, and a space to process test-related anxiety.

Content: The Mental health sessions covered various topics and involved games to encourage physical activity and help the students balance their anxiety.

●  How to prepare yourself psychologically before examinations

●  How to cope with anxiety/fear during examinations

●  How meals and eating habits can affect your psychology before/during examinations

●  Kind of physical exercise to be done on the days of examinations

●  Psychological preparation for girls who will be in menstruation days during examinations days (whom to tell or where to report and what to do) to

handle the menses emergencies

●  What to do in the examination room before attempting exams

●  Techniques to do when students feel uneasy

Participant Response: all of these Standard Seven students were so happy to have these sessions. At the end, they were encouraged to do well on their National Examination and we are looking forward to a great result that will guide them to the secondary school level and different vocational centers.

Program Challenge: The school systems were preparing students for their National examination at the time of the intervention, so finding time to facilitate the sessions was difficult. Some of the schools arranged for us to conduct the sessions outside the class which was not ideal for program facilitation.

Outcome: 383 Standard Seven students benefited from these sessions, and most of the students were able to share the worries that encountered as they were heading into their final examinations. The sessions were of great impact on both students and teachers.

Future Plans: Moving forward, we will ensure that we have the mental health sessions as part of our Nguzo programming, inclusive of all types of genders. These sessions will not only prepare them for the National examinations, but most of the students will be engaged in mental healing and open up on different kinds of issues they are facing from their families and the community. We will work hand in hand with the Mental Health department from Hai so that we can include these sessions into our programming curriculum at Nguzo.

Join us in creating a brighter future for youth by promoting mental health awareness, resilience, and hope.

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