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ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2024

United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 52,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2024 on 6,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 280+ campuses worldwide (just 5%) were selected to host the 4,000+ Millennium Fellows.

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UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT ESTHER MBULWA OMOA, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW FOR THE CLASS OF 2024.

University of Nairobi Upper Kabete | Nairobi, Kenya | Advancing SDG 3 & UNAI 2

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" Passion,creativity and desire to make a difference are the key things that push me and my work.Being part of Millennium Fellowship will give me exposure,equip me with required skills and motivate me to do better and be greater in what I aim to do.I am excited to also get to interact and learn from other great minds that are part of the Millennium Fellowship. "

Millennium Fellowship Project: TABASAMU

Project Report: TABASAMU – A Mental Health Initiative in Kenya
Introduction
In a world where mental health issues are increasingly recognized as crucial to overall well-being, our project "Tabasamu" emerges as a beacon of hope. Tabasamu, which means "smile" in Swahili, embodies our mission of transforming the lives of individuals grappling with mental health challenges. This project seeks to enhance mental wellness through a unique blend of therapeutic practices, with a particular focus on animal therapy. Tabasamu recognizes that mental health transcends age, gender, and social background, making it an inclusive initiative aimed at serving the diverse members of the Kenyan community—from children in children's homes to adults in prisons.
Understanding the Background
Kenya faces a pressing mental health crisis, with many individuals suffering silently due to societal stigma, lack of resources, and inadequate mental health services. The World Health Organization estimates that one in four people will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their lives. In Kenya, the journey toward mental wellness must involve a concerted effort to break down barriers and provide effective support systems. Tabasamu aspires to be part of that solution by creating an environment where individuals feel heard, understood, and valued.
Project Objectives
Increase Awareness: Raise awareness about mental health and well-being through community programs and outreach initiatives.
Provide Support: Offer therapeutic support and interventions via animal-assisted therapy, counseling sessions, and community engagement activities.
Foster Inclusivity: Cater to a diverse range of audiences, including vulnerable groups such as children, hospital patients, and incarcerated individuals.
Create Lasting Impact: Measure and reflect on outcomes, ensuring that individuals experience improved mental wellness and quality of life.
Target Audience
The primary beneficiaries of the Tabasamu project include:
Children in children's homes who often face emotional and psychological challenges.
Patients in various hospital units, such as pediatric, burn, and cancer wards, who require compassionate care and support.
Incarcerated individuals in women's prisons and various correctional facilities, many of whom struggle with mental health issues.
Anyone in the broader community experiencing distress, anxiety, or depression, who may benefit from a supportive environment.
Implementation Plan
Tabasamu is structured around strategic activities that will be implemented over the course of the Millennium Fellowship from August 2024 to December 2024:
Phase 1: Community Engagement and Partnerships
Identifying Partnerships: Collaborate with organizations such as Color Kenya, which specializes in child therapy. Building relationships with hospitals, schools, children's homes, and prisons will be critical.
Community Outreach: Host informational sessions to raise awareness about mental health, advocating for a culture of openness and compassion.
Phase 2: Program Development and Delivery
Animal Therapy Sessions: Organize regular therapy sessions using trained therapy animals. Evidence shows that interactions with animals can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, fostering emotional healing.
Workshops and Events: Plan workshops tailored to specific groups. For instance, in schools, we can introduce programs that teach coping strategies to children through playful interaction.
Volunteer Training: Enlist and train volunteers to help facilitate sessions, creating a community of support that is nurturing and inclusive.
Phase 3: Monitoring and Impact Assessment
Quantifiable Goals: Aim to impact between 151 to 200 lives during the fellowship period. We will track attendance at events, collect feedback from participants through surveys, and monitor progress via follow-up interviews.
Adjustments and Feedback: Use surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of each event and incorporate feedback into ongoing programming.
Sustainability and Future Directions
Tabasamu is designed not only to create immediate positive impacts but also to lay the groundwork for sustainable mental health support in the community. To this end, we will:
Develop Resource Networks: Encourage partnerships between local mental health professionals, animal therapy specialists, and community organizations to ensure a continuous flow of support.
Create Educational Materials: Distribute pamphlets, brochures, and online resources that outline mental health strategies, promote understanding, and encourage self-care practices.
Advocate for Mental Health Policies: Use insights from our project to engage with policymakers and advocate for improved mental health services across Kenya.
Personal Motivation and Relevance
The genesis of my passion for mental wellness lies in my personal journey. Having battled depression for over two years and subsequently undergoing therapy, I have experienced the profound impact that understanding and support can have on mental health. The feeling of being seen, heard, and validated is transformative. It is this very experience that drives my commitment to launching the Tabasamu project. I believe that no one should have to navigate their struggles alone, and through this initiative, I aim to create a supportive environment that fosters healing and hope.
The Role of Animal Therapy
Integral to the Tabasamu initiative is the inclusion of animal therapy. Research has shown that interactions with therapy animals can lead to increased feelings of comfort, reduced anxiety, and improved emotional regulation. Animals have a unique way of connecting with people, allowing individuals to express themselves freely and openly. In the context of children’s homes, hospitals, and prisons, where participants may feel isolated or stigmatized, therapy animals can serve as non-judgmental companions that ease the healing process.
Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals
Tabasamu directly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being. Mental health is an essential component of overall health, and through mental health interventions, we strive to reduce the prevalence of mental health disorders. By actively listening to individuals' stories and providing tools for better mental health, we aim to decrease feelings of isolation and hopelessness, ultimately contributing to healthier lives.
Conclusion
The Tabasamu project is more than just a program; it is a movement toward healing, understanding, and joy. By bringing smiles to individuals’ faces through effective mental wellness strategies, we hope to challenge stigmas surrounding mental health and build a more compassionate community. With a focus on inclusive participation, evidence-based interventions, and lasting partnerships, Tabasamu promises to be a source of hope for thousands of Kenyans. Through our collective efforts, we can usher in a future where every individual deserves care and consideration, ultimately leading to a society where smiles abound, regardless of one's circumstances.

About the Millennium Fellow

Omoa Esther Mbulwa is a young, intelligent and ambitious woman pursuing a bachelor's degree in Veterinary Medicine.She was born and raised in a small village in Murang'a County with a dream to be great.She has a passion for animals and is a strong advocate for good mental health.There are many things Esther would love to achieve in her lifetime but the main thing is ensuring she leaves a positive impact in lives of people through mental health awareness.Esther has held a leadership position in the University of Nairobi and she plans to use the skills she has gained to help her work towards contributing to the development of United Nations' Sustainable goals;especially goal number 3 on Good Health and well-being (mental health)

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