mentally

Our Team Donating Sanitary Pads at Olkaria School in Narok County 2023

Addressing Menstrual Health Challenges in Turkana and Marsabit Counties in Kenya

Uncategorized /
Our Team Donating Sanitary Pads at Olkaria School in Narok County 2023
Our Team Donating Sanitary Pads at Olkaria School in Narok County 2023

Addressing Menstrual Health Challenges in Turkana and Marsabit Counties in Kenya: A Path to Empowerment and Education

In the remote regions of Turkana and Marsabit counties, many young girls face significant challenges that hinder their education and overall well-being. Among these challenges, the lack of access to sanitary pads stands out as a critical issue that leads to school absenteeism and perpetuates harmful cultural practices. Mental Recovery International is committed to addressing these issues by providing reusable sanitary pads and comprehensive menstrual health education. Our goal is to empower girls, improve school attendance, and foster healthier communities.

The Challenges

 Turkana County: Missing Classes Due to Lack of Sanitary Pads

In Turkana County, many schoolgirls come from impoverished backgrounds and cannot afford sanitary pads. As a result, they miss several days of school each month, which disrupts their education and negatively impacts their academic performance. This situation not only affects their learning but also their confidence and mental health.

 Marsabit County: Period Shame Leading to Early Marriage

In Marsabit County, particularly within the Daasanach community, the situation is even more dire. Cultural norms dictate that girls as young as 12 years old should get married if they experience their first period while still living in their father’s house. This practice is rooted in the stigma and shame associated with menstruation, leading to early marriages and the truncation of these young girls’ educational journeys.

Our Initiative: A Comprehensive Approach

Mental Recovery International aims to bring a permanent solution to these challenges through a multi-faceted initiative:

 1. Providing Reusable Sanitary Pads

By partnering with manufacturers of reusable sanitary pads, we will distribute these essential products to schoolgirls in Turkana and Marsabit counties. Reusable pads are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, offering a sustainable solution to the problem. Along with the distribution, we will train girls on how to use and maintain these pads.

 2. Menstrual Health Education

Education is a powerful tool for change. We will develop and distribute educational materials on menstrual health and hygiene, conducting workshops in schools to educate girls. These workshops will cover topics such as menstrual cycle understanding, hygiene practices, and the proper use of reusable pads. Knowledge is empowering, and through education, we aim to reduce the stigma associated with menstruation.

 3. Community Awareness and Engagement

Changing deep-rooted cultural practices requires community involvement. We will organize workshops for parents, elders, and community leaders to educate them about menstrual health and the importance of supporting girls during their periods. By engaging community influencers and leaders, we hope to foster a supportive environment that challenges and eventually changes harmful traditions.

4. Establishing Support Groups

Support groups in schools will provide a safe space for girls to discuss their experiences and receive guidance on menstrual health. These groups will be facilitated by trained teachers and community health workers, offering ongoing education and support. Such groups can also serve as a platform for girls to build their confidence and advocate for their rights.

 Expected Outcomes

Through this initiative, we expect to achieve several positive outcomes:

-Increased School Attendance:

With access to sanitary pads, girls will be able to attend school regularly, reducing absenteeism and improving academic performance.

– Improved Menstrual Health Knowledge:

Girls and the community will gain a better understanding of menstrual health and hygiene, leading to healthier practices and reduced stigma.

– Cultural Change:

By raising awareness and educating the community, we aim to reduce period shame and the harmful practice of early marriage due to menstruation.

– Empowered Girls:

With the necessary support and resources, girls will feel more confident and empowered to pursue their education and personal goals.

Conclusion

Mental Recovery International is dedicated to addressing the menstrual health challenges faced by schoolgirls in Turkana and Marsabit counties. By providing reusable sanitary pads and comprehensive education, we aim to create a lasting impact on these communities. Our initiative will not only improve the lives of individual girls but also contribute to the broader goal of gender equality and community development.

We invite you to join us in this important mission to empower girls and foster a healthier, more equitable future for all.

 

Sources:

– UNICEF: Reports on menstrual health and hygiene management in Kenya.
– Girls Not Brides: Information on child marriage in Kenya.
– UNESCO: Data on the impact of menstruation on girls’ education.

 

Empowering girls and breaking the stigma around menstruation is a crucial step towards a brighter future. Let’s work together to make a difference!

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Mental-Recovery-International-and-Save-the-Children-International

Substance Use Disorder Facing Street Children: A Complex and Pervasive Issue

Mental Health, Mental Health Awareness /
Mental-Recovery-International-and-Save-the-Children-International
Mental-Recovery-International-and-Save-the-Children-International

Substance Use Disorder Facing Street Children: A Complex and Pervasive Issue

Mental Recovery International  team led by Executive Director Mr. Bett Sarisar made a presentation at a session hosted by Save the Children International during the United Nations Civil Society Conference 2024.

The theme of the presentation focused on resettlement and recovery of street children and youth facing mental health disorders. This is in line with the MRI dream of establishing a Substance Use Disorders (SUD) recovery center dubbed “MRI Day Center.”

 

Street children, often vulnerable and marginalized, face a multitude of challenges, including substance use disorder (SUD). This complex issue is driven by a confluence of factors that make these children particularly susceptible to addiction.

Understanding the Scope of the Problem:

Prevalence: The prevalence of SUD among street children varies significantly depending on location, age, and other factors. However, studies consistently indicate that it is a widespread problem, often linked to other issues like poverty, homelessness, and lack of access to education and healthcare.
Substances Used: The types of substances used by street children vary widely. In some areas, inhalants are prevalent due to their low cost and easy accessibility. In others, alcohol, marijuana, and harder drugs like heroin or cocaine may be more common.
Contributing Factors:
Trauma: Street children often experience severe trauma, including physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and violence. These experiences can lead to self-medication and coping mechanisms that involve substance use.
Poverty and Homelessness: The lack of basic needs like food, shelter, and security can drive children to engage in risky behaviors, including substance use, to survive.
Social Exclusion: Street children are often marginalized and lack access to education, healthcare, and social support systems, increasing their vulnerability to SUD.
Peer Influence: The environment of the streets can expose children to substance use and peer pressure, leading to experimentation and dependence.

Consequences of Substance Use Disorder:

Physical Health: Substance abuse can lead to severe health consequences, including liver damage, heart disease, respiratory problems, and HIV/AIDS.
Mental Health: SUD often co-occurs with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), further compounding the challenges faced by street children.
Increased Vulnerability: Substance use can increase street children’s vulnerability to exploitation, violence, and abuse.
Cycle of Addiction: Substance dependence can create a vicious cycle, leading to further marginalization and difficulty breaking free from the streets.

Addressing the Issue:

Prevention: Creating a supportive environment for street children, including access to education, healthcare, and social services, is crucial for preventing SUD. Addressing the root causes of homelessness and poverty is also essential.
Intervention: Early intervention programs, including counseling, addiction treatment, and support groups, are vital for helping street children struggling with SUD.
Collaboration: Collaboration between NGOs, government agencies, and communities is essential to develop and implement comprehensive programs that address the complex needs of street children.
Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the challenges faced by street children and the devastating impact of SUD is crucial for advocating for policies and programs that support their well-being.

Moving Forward:

Addressing substance use disorder among street children requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles the root causes of the issue and provides comprehensive support and intervention services. By addressing the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population, we can work towards a future where all children have the opportunity to thrive.

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Ms Ikagen Moduka

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Ms Ikageng Moduka

Ikageng is a community business-driven entrepreneur and transformation agent with strong passion and ambition for the arts industry. Her passion has propelled her to pursue a qualifications in business management and related programmes amongst others.

Ikageng began her career in the regulation of project and construction management professions and parallel she led the programmes that supported youth and women from disadvantaged backgrounds with approaching life and setting personal goals through drama and heritage workshops.

She now practises as a Production Content Developer for Publik Kreativity Drama Krew and Nkamis Productions whose focus is addressing mental health and trauma issues through theatre. The productions are delivered to communities around South Africa through a variety of event platforms. Our milestone programme is the mental health productions in Correctional Services institutions aimed at preparing inmates for interaction with the new world they should deal with at the end of their terms.

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Prof Laban Peter Ayiro PhD

SPEAKER /

Prof Laban Peter Ayiro PhD

 

I have been a Chemistry teacher, Principal of several High Schools, Provincial Director of Education, Deputy Director of Staff Training (Kenya Education Management Institute), Senior Deputy Director for Policy and Planning at the Ministry Headquarters and Senior Deputy Director for Research and Curriculum Development at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.

I am a Senior Fulbright Scholar having been to the USA in 2011- 2012 researching and teaching at the University of Texas A&M.

I am also a leading consultant in Research, Organizational Leadership and Performance. I have at Moi University worked as Director, Quality Assurance and Standards and hold a wide research and publication track record of over twenty publications.

Administratively, I have acted as Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Planning and Development and also as the Ag. Vice Chancellor Moi University. Currently, I am the Vice Chancellor of Daystar University.

I have skills in the area of Leadership and Management, research methods, strategic planning and management, organizational capacity building, team building, decision making & problem solving, research and report writing, training of trainers, trainer of entrepreneurs, proposal and project writing, computer literacy and grounded skills in the application of ICT in teaching instruction (pedagogy). I am also a peer- reviewer on Quality for the Commission of University Education in Kenya.

I am a full member of the Kenya Institute of Management, The African Network of Internalization of Education, The Academy of Human Resource Development and Women Educational Researchers of Kenya. As my contribution to the community I am the current Chairman of the Kakamega County Education Board, having served the board for the last 4 years.

 

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Dr Shane Charles

SPEAKER /

Uncle Shane Charles

 

He is a highly experienced and inspirational Aboriginal leader with a strong track record across a range of sectors including education and training, justice, and cultural heritage within both Aboriginal and mainstream organizations.

Uncle Shane is a passionate advocate for reconciliation who enjoys sharing cultural knowledge to make a difference.

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Georgina Mumba

SPEAKER /

Georgina Mumba

 

Co-Founder & Trustee EcoCare Africa Trust
Social Protection Practitioner
Data Analyst
Economist
Disability Inclusion Advocate
Mental Health Advocate
Motivational Speaker

Ms. Mumba has over 15 years work experience in the public service working in various portfolios. Currently, she works in the social protection sector with a special focus on resource mobilisation for social protection.

As a polio survivor, Ms. Mumba is passionate about disability inclusion in all aspects with a keen interest in inclusive education as she believes that education is indeed, the greatest equaliser. Ms. Mumba enjoys public speaking, writing and speaking on the critical issue of mental health in the work space and in our social spaces.

She is an alumni of the University of Melbourne in Australia, an alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship in the US and participates in socio-economic initiatives within and across the continent of Africa.

Ms. Mumba is a Co-Founder and Trustee of EcoCARE Africa Trust.

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Rebecca Bor

SPEAKER /

Rebecca Bor

 

Rebecca Bor, an undisputed and distinguished leader in her own right,  is multi-talented and a mistress of everything with vast experience in a number of key focus areas. She is an Environmentalist, Project Planner & Manager, Eco-Entrepreneur, Green, Blue, Circular Economy & Sustainability Expert, Avid Marketer, Hotelier, Farmer, Mentor, Peace Ambassador with exceptional Conflict Resolution skills, Climate Activist, Social Innovator, Gender Equality Advocate among others.

She has initiated several successful Social and Environmental Sustainability projects including:

  • Adopt Nairobi River Concept while at her previous role at Tana & Athi River Development Authority (TARDA)
  • Adopt A Street-School Concept on involvement of Street Connected families and Schools in Environmental Conservation
  • Protection and Restoration efforts
  • Food For Trees Initiative
  • Seed Balls Kenya Greening Libraries project
  • Regeneration of Marsabit, Nandi, Nakuru, Nairobi, Uasin Gishu and Bomet Counties using more than 1,000,000 indigenous seeds coated in charcoal dust
  • Green Blue Foundation
  • Restoring Dignity through Mobility project for Persons with Special needs in collaboration with Mobility Worldwide and Partners For Care
  • Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Advocacy with Latewa CBO
  • Co-designing and implementation of a community centered Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for Starehe Subcounty in collaboration with Prof. Alina Marm from University College London
  • Tree planting and Nurturing projects with Greener Cities CBO
  • River Regeneration projects with Youth and Women led organizations from Starehe Subcounty

She has also facilitated several Women Empowerment Trainings, Up-skills and Re-skills for teenage mothers, women and underserved communities on repurposing discarded clothing garments to make aesthetic copyrighted Art planters for sale. This was achieved through cross sector collaborative effort between TARDA, Latewa CBO, Yrimu Collection, Hope & Joy Mukuru CBO and Eseriani Place CBO. Her current role at Nairobi Rivers Commission is designed to act as a springboard for her previous accomplishments while at TARDA owing to her dedication, resilience and steadfastness.

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Lucy K

PANELIST /

Lucy Kwe

 

Lucy is a Humanitarian Response and Disaster Management Professional. She is currently a Project Manager at Humentum. Lucy has gained vast experience in project management, capacity development, and emergency response, working as a generalist in numerous international missions. For the last fifteen years, she has managed various projects in humanitarian and development contexts with timely and effective outcomes with the bid to bring hope to vulnerable communities. She is a resourceful, enthusiastic, and passionate humanitarian who applies creative approaches inspired by international experiences and mobilizes teams to work together to resolve challenges and build resilience.She is passionate about the mental health of communities and humanitarian/development workers. Moreover, she is quite optimistic that there are various avenues to support wellness and mental well-being (art, drama, dance, music, health care… and at the center of all of it all, a robust supportive community. She has a Master of Science degree in Disaster Management and Sustainable Development and recently completed a Master of Applied Science in Humanitarian Health. Additionally, Lucy is an alumnus of the commonwealth scholarship and a member of the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health [from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health], contributing to research that impacts the health of communities, and humanitarian projects across the globe.

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Zakhele M Makone

SPEAKER, Uncategorized /

Zakhele Mabasa

 

Mokone is an actor / entertainer born & raised in Alexandra Township. From childhood Zakhele has always been an entertainer. He joined community drama groups from as early as fifteen years old. Dance, Music and drama are performance
repertoires he possesses. Although popularly known for his acting career Zakhele is a solid musician and a musical director. The determination and passion displayed earned Zakhele a promotion to assistant director barely a few years as a performer at Victory Sonqoba.
Over and above being an accomplished all-rounder of a performer, he further diversifies his abilities as a business man. Having interests in multiple companies both as an executive and as a non-executive director. With the role currently played on isibaya came fame, but Zakhele remains a father, a husband & down to mother earth friend he has always been.

PRODUCTIONS [Performed in]:
– Divide & Rule
– Cry the beloved country
– Ushaka at the Market Theatre and the Europe (Actor / Assistant Director)
– Madiba’s Magic
– Guilty Yet Free
– Diphala
– Tastes like strawberries
– Azikhwelwa
– Woza Albert
– 100 ANC centenary celebrations in Mangaung
– One Square Mile (Actor / Co-Director / Co-Producer)
– Show off

INDUSTRIAL THEATRE
– Sasol Health &Wellness Industrial Theatre
– Nedbank Industrial Theatre
– Momentum Industrial Theatre
– Vodacom Marketing Drive
– MTN Industrial Theatre
– FNB
– Department of Health
– Telkom Industrial Theatre
– SARS Awareness Campaign
– Gauteng Gambling board, Industrial Theatre
– Ritluka Mine, Indutrial Theatre
– Dept of water and Sanitation, Activations

THEATRES PLAYED IN:
– The South African State Theatre
– The Market Theatre
– Grahamstown Festival
– Taung Mmabana Cultural Centre
– Victory Theatre

COUNTRIES PERFORMED AT:
– England
– Belgium
– Zimbabwe
– Mocambique
– Swaziland
– Germany
– Holland

FILM & TELEVISION CREDITS
International and local Film
– Jerusalem
– Drum
– Twisted
– How to steal 2 million

TELEVISION APPEARENCES:
Rhythm City
Home Affairs
Generations

Seasonal Soapies:
Isibaya

BRAND AMBASSADORSHIP

-VODACOM Ambassadorship
-Multichoice
– Johannesburg Department of Community
Safety
-Standard Bank

-Executive Director – Nkami Productions
-Executive Director – Publik Kreativity —
Drama Krew
-Former Director – X-quisite Productions
-Non-Executive Director – Reyakopele —
Trading 91

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Bett Sarisar Elijah

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Bett Sarisar Elijah

 

Bett Sarisar Elijah trained at Maasai Mara University where he pursued Bachelors in Tourism Management.
His career in Non-profit organisations began in 2016 where he worked as the National Secretary-General for Youth & Governance Kenya; an NGO whose primary mandate was to champion for empowerment rights and inclusivity of the young people of Kenya.
Bett later in 2018 joined International Youth Government, an NGO headquartered in Albania where he was appointed as Kenya’s Country Director.

Together with the United Nations Department of Social and Economic Affairs( UNDESA) and Strathmore University School of Law, he led a team which came up with Swahili Version for the Campaign of Protection, Wellbeing and Development of girls, boys and adolescents with disabilities. This is a Global Campaign which was launched by UN SG’s Special Envoy for Accessibility and Disabilities Prof. Maria Soleded in December 2018.

From 2019-date, Mr. Bett is serving as the Executive Director for Mental Recovery International, an NGO whose mandate is to impact the lives of victims of mental illnesses in Kenya.

In his dream to further create more impactful mental health recovery programs in Kenya, he is now leading MRI, local and international partners towards realizing an establishment of MRI Day Center, a dedicated community facility for Substance Use Disorders in Narok County.

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