mentally

Douglas Sidialo

PANELIST /

Douglas Sidialo

 

BACKGROUND

Despite losing sight as a result of the devastating US embassy bombing on August, 7, 1998 in Kenya, Douglas has picked up the pieces and bounced back to life with resounding courage and strength to become a great inspiration to a lot of people on this planet earth. Douglas served as President of the Kenya National Paralympics Committee witnessing athletes with disabilities break barriers in their lives to become national heroes and celebrities in the World of sports. This has lifted them from ashes to become self-sufficient giving them a great sense of empowerment and high self-esteem. His lean Team of 13 athletes bagged 5 gold, 4 Silver and 4 Bronze medals for Kenya   in   the 2008 Beijing Paralympics Games. One of the most remarkable athletes in these Paralympics Sports showbiz bagged Kenya 3 Gold medals and went on to be named as the 2009 United Nations Personality of the Year and UNDP, MDG Ambassador. To set the pace for the Paralympics Games, Douglas received the honors to light the Olympic torch, racing to grlory in the 2008 Paralympics torch relay on the outskirts of Beijing a head of the official opening of the World largest disability Sports extravaganza.  Douglas has gone on to confront overwhelming challenges to become one of the most accomplished blind adventurers in the world, and has never let his blindness interfere with his passion for an exciting and inspirational journey.

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Douglas is believed to be the first blind African to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro – Uhuru Peak, 5,895 meters above sea level in September- 2005-becoming the first blind African to achieve this feet. From January to May- 2007, he went on a bicycle marathon across Africa from North to the South, through 10 countries, on the Tour D’Afrique (riding from Cairo to Cape Town), successfully completing 12,000 Kilometers in 95 days, setting a World record as the first blind person in the world to set this record for others to break! Ultimately, he went on for the second Year to complete the 2016 Old Mutual Joberg 2 C 900 Kilometers in over 9 days MTB stage race from Johannesburg to Durban. In 2017 Douglas received an invitation by his WORSHIP THE MAYOR OF TE-LAVIV to participate in the largest and most prestigious cycling event in Israel-CAPITAL CYCLING TEL-AVIV in a race that brought together over 10,000 riders from around the world with hundreds of thousands of spectators waving and cheering his exemptational performance.After the cycling TEL-AVIV Douglas went to the holy city of Jerusalem church of the HOLY SEPULCHRE Where Jesus Was Crucified And Three Days Later He Rose Unto The Heavens, when he left the holy church he visited the wall of Solomon(The Wailing Wall) to pray for peace for the world and his country kenya. Moreover, Douglas   has   done 3 cycling majors on the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Great Rift Valley and this include: SC Rift Valley Odyssey: Laikipia Extreme Challenge and Fly 540, Mount Kenya 10to 4 Mountain Bike Challenge, a race in which Douglas and his talented partner John were involved in a grissly bike crash in 2015 and sustained fatal head injuries losing consciousness and were airlifted by helicopter to Nanyuki Cottage hospital for emergency treatment.

 

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Douglas has exemplified the spirit of servant leadership, holding various community positions over time. These   include   President   of   the   Kenya   National   Paralympics   Committee, Board member  of  the  National  Council  for  People  with  Disabilities , United  Nations Habitat   Goodwill Ambassador  for  Safer Cities, and  Currently he is serving as a Founder and Board member of Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa whose key objective is to unlock the potential of blind and Visually Impaired children for independent living through Braille literacy and appropriate Technology. In 2002 Douglas Co-Founded ECOCARE Africa Trust, which acts as the Africans continent regional hub for the global ECOCARE TRUSTS NETWORKS of connected national and regional Non-Governmental Organizations.

 

INSPIRATION SPEAKING

Douglas as a motivational speaker has inspired thousands of people around the world, by sharing his positive message of overcoming adversity through his profound resilience, determination and boundless confidence. Douglas’s presentations engage and inspire audiences by capturing lessons from his life experiences and adventures pursuits around the World. His illustrious speaking enterprise has spanned   through Africa, Asia and the USA, delivering his sparkling and unique message tailored on:  Triumph over adversity, unleashing Your True Potential by  harnessing the power of adversity, Every cloud has a silver lining, your purpose in life, the power of the human spirit and our every endeavor to achieve our dreams, to institutions such as United Nations, Unilever, Proctor & Gamble, Standard Chartered Bank, Old Mutual Africa, World Agro-Forestry Research Centre, Universities, Non Profit and Religious Organizations. Douglas has met and shared speaking platforms  with imminent personalities including: His Excellency Emeleo  Mwai  Kibaki, the former President  of the Republic of Kenya, Raila Amolo Odinga, Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Hilary Rodham Clinton, US Secretary of States, Hellen Zille mayor of cape town and President  of South Africa  Democratic Alliance, Mr. Erik Weihenmayer a renown   blind adventurer, author and speaker, Mr. Paul Polman, the Global Chief Executive Officer, Unilever, Professor Anna Tibaijuka , Director General, United Nations Office Nairobi, Professor Tony Simons, Executive Director World Agro-forestry Research Centre. Douglas has also met and shared a platform with president Joe Biden of the USA and his wife first lady Dr. Jill Biden. Douglas keynote message resonates on the fact that we all have challenges that want to knock us flat to our backs but by the Grace of God we can confront those challenges head on breaking them and living a life full of   purpose. His inspiration story has been widely covered and has featured on Top World TV channels and magazines such as: BBC, CNN, ABC, Al Jazeera, NBC, German TV, New York Times, the Guardian, SABC, Super Sports, the Scoop, Citizen Tv, Nation Media and Churchill Live! The ultimate TV show in Africa.

Media Links

  1. https://www.citizen.digital/exclusive-videos/i-lost-my-sight-in-the-1998-bomb-blast-douglas-sidialo-n303518
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHSldTuBWPs
  3. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/extended-unedited-version-douglas-sidialos-interview-live-sidialo

 

Consequently Douglas has 2 books to his credit authored by Prof. Elijah Akhahenda of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio- Texas and published by University Press of America whose title is; When Blood and Tears United a Country; The bombing of the American embassy in Kenya. And his second book is title Unarmed Heroes authored by Peace Direct and Published   by Claris of the United Kingdom. ” Clearly Douglas   accomplishments demonstrate that one does not need to have perfect eyesight to have an extra-ordinary Vision.”

 

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Peter Symes

SPEAKER /

Peter Symes

 

Peter has over 30 years’ experience in technical support and management of large botanical landscapes including analysis and design of plant environments, climate change adaptation, integrated water management, living collection management, plant biosecurity, plant selection and soil health. Lead author (and primary researcher) of the pioneering Landscape Succession Strategy of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to maintain plant diversity and guide the future transition of the historic landscape through climate change. The development of this Strategy lead to the formation of the Climate Change Alliance of Botanic Gardens for which Peter played a key role in establishing
and recruiting membership (c. 500 members across 96 countries). He was project manager for the development of the world first Climate Assessment Tool that enables a risk ranking against climate scenarios for most of the world’s known trees. Peter has presented widely and published peer reviewed papers on climate change adaptation, landscape management, irrigation and water management, and plant biosecurity. He has also co-supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students with The University of Melbourne (plant selection, microclimate monitoring) and Monash University (water quality improvements). From 2013-2020, Peter was a director of the NGO Global Gardens of Peace (still life member) and with the aim of building a living landscape to support the wellbeing of vulnerable people in the Gaza Strip, he visited Israel, Gaza and the West Bank on a few occasions to provide technical expertise, develop interdisciplinary collaboration and undertake multilateral negotiations. Over the last two years, Peter has been in the role of Curator at the Cooktown Botanic Gardens in the dry tropics of far North Queensland, Australia. This position has developed further expertise in climate change, landscape and natural resource management, botanical collections, plant conservation and partnerships with NGO’s and traditional owners.

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Dr Herbert Jelinek

SPEAKER /

Dr Herbert Jelinek

 

Dr. Herbert Jelinek is a distinguished scholar and researcher in the field of medical science, with significant contributions to the understanding and prevention of chronic diseases and mental health disorders. He embarked on his academic journey by earning a B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in Human Genetics with a double major in Psychology from the University of New South Wales. Furthering his passion for neuroscience, he pursued a Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience from the Australian National University and earned his Ph.D. within the Faculty of Medicine from the University of Sydney, Australia, in 1996.

Early in his career, Dr. Jelinek lead a diabetes screening clinic at Charles Sturt University. Currently he is an Associate Professor in Medical Science at Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. His extensive body of work includes over 400 papers, book chapters, and conference proceedings, spanning diverse areas such as mental health, cardiovascular diseases, diabetic-associated complications, and innovative image and temporal data analysis combined with data mining approaches to improve clinical decision making.

Dr. Jelinek is at the forefront of groundbreaking research in preventative healthcare, with a focus on chronic diseases and mental health. His research is distinguished by its holistic approach, considering the impact of environment, culture, and society on human health. In his pursuit of personalized healthcare solutions, Dr. Jelinek investigates various applications, including mindfulness training, biofeedback, and neurofeedback. These cutting-edge techniques are harnessed to tailor interventions that cater to individual needs, encompassing diverse age groups and life stages.

Beyond his remarkable academic achievements, Dr. Jelinek is an esteemed member of several professional organizations. He is affiliated with the IEEE Biomedical Engineering Society, the Applied Neuroscience Society of Australasia, and the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research. Dr. Jelinek’s dedication to advancing medical science and his unwavering commitment to improving the well-being of individuals worldwide have cemented his reputation as a leading authority in the field.

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Gary Chan

SPEAKER /

GARY CHAN

 

Gary Chan commenced a professional career in Medical Sciences & Health Sector Development over fifteen years, then co-founded and operated a private commercial service company to deliver specialist pathology services, and by 1995, reformed this company to a sole partner consultancy practice, as a concept developer for projects in China, in the field of health and healthcare, and food-based projects involving the formation and structure of joint venture and cooperative agreements.

From 2000 – 2005, he acted as a Strategic Advisor, to two healthcare companies in South East Asia, in product production and marketing, biotech investment advisory and project concepts in residential aged care and medical tourism, followed by placements in Europe for strategic advisory in health and medical technology and methodology (cloud-based information systems and collaborative observation).  Specialising in the establishment of cross-border joint ventures, partnerships and cooperation, he engaged in early-stage project concepts for cross-border collaborations in health, health education, medical tourism, and location-based needs analysis.

From 2005 onwards to date, Gary’s expertise was applied to programs and projects where health is a component for consideration, and with a particular focus in the areas poverty, displacement, equity, conflict, land degradation and politico-economic impacts, and conflict resolution, peace-building, cross-cultural and cross-border cooperation, advocacy and policy. Integrated strategic thinking has been applied to the fields of economic development, education, food security and health, for strategic engagement with stakeholders in community, community-based organisations, international NGOs, and governments.

Across all engagements, projects, concept development phases, consideration for culture as a nuanced approach in collaborations has been primary. This is underpinned by an extensive background in professional arts management practice, creating opportunities to collaborate with artists, arts representatives, arts institutions, arts educators, cultural communities, and cultural practitioners. Contacts are across Australia, and internationally East Asia, South East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia and Middle East, Europe, Africa, South America, Pacific Islands, and New Zealand.

 

  • UNESCO – participating in program development for culture and the arts
  • United Nations Development Program – community development programs in Palestine
  • UN Volunteers – projects in Nepal, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, South Africa
  • EU Erasmus and Mobility – project development  for cultural collaborations

 

International diplomatic sector cultural sections to China, Japan, Indonesia, Chile, USA, Great Britain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy.

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Rebuilding Lives and Restoring Hope At Septet IDP Camp

Uncategorized /

Rebuilding Lives and Restoring Hope At Septet IDP Camp

Introduction

 

In the heart of Narok South Constituency lies a testament to human resilience and the indomitable spirit of those who have endured unthinkable hardships—the Septet Camp in Sagamian Ward. Home to thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs), this camp tells a story of survival amidst adversity. However, their struggle is not unnoticed. Mental Recovery International (MRI), a beacon of compassion, embarked on a mission to Septet Camp, bringing with them not only essential supplies but also a promise of renewal for the weary souls dwelling within.

Camp Description

Septet Camp is a confluence of makeshift mud shelters and communal spaces, each representing the hopes and dreams of the IDPs who call it home.

Septet Camp is home to more than 2000 families, a staggering number that illustrates the scale of displacement within the region. Among these families are over 5000 children under the age of 18, innocent souls whose lives have been shadowed by the harsh realities of displacement.

Challenges Faced by Septet Camp Residents

The camp setting belies the hardships that IDPs in Septet Camp confront on a daily basis. The challenges they face are multi-faceted and underscore the urgent need for comprehensive support:

  • Inadequate Warm Clothing:    The camp’s chilly environment is compounded by the scarcity of warm clothing, leaving residents vulnerable to health risks associated with exposure to cold.
  • Sanitation Deficiency: A dearth of proper toilet facilities and inadequate access to clean water pose significant health risks to camp inhabitants, amplifying the risk of waterborne diseases.
  • Water Scarcity: The absence of a consistent supply of clean water for both drinking and general use puts residents at the mercy of an essential resource, affecting their overall well-being.
  • Pervasive Poverty: High poverty levels in the camp perpetuate a cycle of economic instability, rendering it challenging for families to escape the grip of destitution.
  • Lack of Land for Cultivation: The absence of arable land robs residents of the opportunity to engage in sustenance agriculture, further exacerbating food insecurity.
  • Unemployment: The scarcity of job opportunities within and around the camp leaves many individuals without a means of livelihood, contributing to the cycle of poverty.
  • Education Disruption: Financial constraints lead to a significant number of children being unable to afford school fees, resulting in disrupted education and thwarted aspirations.
  • Limited Access to Medical Facilities: The absence of medical facilities within the camp leaves residents vulnerable to untreated illnesses and injuries.

In the face of these formidable challenges, the IDPs of Septet Camp demonstrate unwavering courage and strength, embodying the resilience that defines their journey.

A Beacon of Hope: MRI’s Humanitarian Intervention

In the midst of these overwhelming difficulties, Mental Recovery International’s arrival at Septet Camp was akin to a ray of sunshine piercing through stormy clouds. In alignment with its mission, MRI embarked on a multi-faceted intervention that directly addressed the urgent needs of the IDPs.

  • Meeting Basic Needs: MRI’s compassionate efforts encompassed the supply of food, a fundamental necessity that serves as a buffer against hunger. This act alone uplifted spirits and brought a sense of relief to families grappling with food insecurity.
  • Empowering Girls: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by young girls, MRI distributed sanitary pads—a seemingly small gesture that holds profound significance. Empowering over 200 girls with this basic need resonates with the organization’s commitment to the holistic well-being of all.
  • Supporting Families: MRI’s impact extended beyond material aid, as it provided sustenance to over 150 families in the form of food supplies. This act of solidarity underscored the organization’s commitment to standing with the IDPs in their journey toward a better life.

Conclusion

Mental Recovery International’s mission to Septet Camp stands as a testament to the power of empathy, compassion, and unwavering dedication to humanity’s betterment. In the face of adversity, MRI’s interventions have illuminated a path of healing and renewal for the IDPs of Septet Camp. As the echoes of their impact reverberate through the camp, one truth becomes evident: the strength of the human spirit, when met with understanding and support, can overcome even the darkest of challenges. Through our transformative efforts, MRI exemplifies the boundless potential for positive change in the lives of those who need it the most.

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