Mind to Heart Capacity Building Event on Mental Health Awareness, Entrepreneurship, and Human Rights for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
Written by Flominah Mucheke
On November 25, 2022, Mind to Heart Community-Based Organization (CBO) held a transformative capacity-building workshop focused on mental health awareness, entrepreneurship, and human rights for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The event, organized in collaboration with Youth Alive Kenya and the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation, took place at the Uthiru MCA’s Office Hall in Kiambu County.
The primary objective of this capacity-building workshop was to analyze and address the mental health state within Uthiru Ward, Kiambu County, specifically targeting PWDs, who often face unique challenges in accessing mental health services, economic opportunities, and protection of their rights.
Event Highlights:
- Mental Health Awareness
The workshop emphasized the importance of mental health, particularly for individuals living with disabilities. Speakers and facilitators educated participants on the common mental health challenges faced by PWDs and provided information on how to access mental health services. The session also focused on dismantling the stigma that prevents many PWDs from seeking help. - Entrepreneurship Development
Understanding the economic barriers faced by PWDs, the workshop included an interactive session on entrepreneurship. Participants were introduced to entrepreneurial opportunities and skill-building tools designed to help them become self-reliant. This was a key aspect of the training, aimed at empowering PWDs to create sustainable livelihoods and improve their economic well-being. - Human Rights Education
The training underscored the importance of understanding human rights as it relates to PWDs. It aimed to equip participants with knowledge on their rights, focusing on how they can advocate for themselves in the face of discrimination and exclusion. Human rights experts also discussed existing policies and protections for PWDs at the local and national levels.
Key Outcomes:
- Empowered PWDs with knowledge and resources to improve their mental health and economic conditions.
- Strengthened community awareness about the mental health needs of PWDs within Uthiru Ward.
- Established a framework for continued support and collaboration between local organizations, government offices, and Mind to Heart CBO to address mental health and socio-economic issues among PWDs.
This impactful event reinforced Mind to Heart’s commitment to holistic community well-being, including mental health, economic empowerment, and the protection of human rights for vulnerable populations. It also laid the groundwork for future collaborations with like-minded organizations in Kiambu County and beyond.
For more information on our initiatives, visit us at www.mindtoheartglobal.org.
Flominah Mucheke
Founder & Executive Director, Mind to Heart CBO
