Embarking on the Project THRIVE! implementation journey has had a profound impact on our team. Over the past two weeks, we have had the chance to receive training from the Shamiri Institute in Kenya. This experience has given us the opportunity to delve into various subjects, which have significantly expanded our understanding of mental health, instructional design, and program management. In this blog post, we will guide you through a deep learning journey, delving into the valuable insights we have acquired and the collaborative efforts that are propelling positive change in our community.
Raj led us in a fascinating session to start off our journey, during which we delved into the fascinating history of the Shamiri Institute. Understanding the organization’s narrative has provided us with valuable insights into its mission, values, and impact. By immersing ourselves in Shamiri’s journey, we gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of community-driven initiatives in fostering resilience and empowerment.
Delving into Mental Health: Examining its Past, Present, and Future Perspectives
As part of our investigation into mental health, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the historical context of mental illness in Africa during the colonial era. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, we delved into the challenges faced by communities and the evolving attitudes towards mental health over time. By recognizing our past and embracing cultural understanding, we have laid the groundwork for a future that is both inclusive and resilient. We have recognized the need for a fresh perspective on decolonizing mental health care in Africa and the diaspora.
Unleashing Wise Interventions: Empowering Change Through Small Actions
The concept of “Little Treatments, Large Effects” introduced us to the power of strategic interventions in driving meaningful changes in behavior. Through meaningful discussions and interactive experiences, we learned how to harness the impact of small yet impactful actions to bring about meaningful transformations in ourselves and our community. This session has allowed us to recognize the possibilities for transformation in everyday situations, inspiring us to become catalysts for positive growth.
Understanding Psychopathology: Gaining Insight into Mental Health Disorders
Our extensive research in psychopathology has provided us with a comprehensive grasp of mental health disorders and their impact on individuals. By dispelling common misconceptions and fostering comprehension, we laid the groundwork for eradicating the negative perception associated with mental health issues and promoting open dialogue within our community.
Reflecting on Collaborative Rotary Clubhouse Meetings and More
Meetings at the Rotary clubhouse were significant occasions for our Shamiri supervisors to gather and engage in discussions and evaluations. These sessions provided team members with the opportunity to share insights, exchange ideas, and collectively process our learnings. By fostering an atmosphere of openness and encouraging the sharing of knowledge, these gatherings strengthened our sense of togetherness and shared purpose.
As I dug further into Shamiri’s electives, I came across a program called the Adversity, Trauma, and Resilience program Series. It teaches educators crucial techniques for building resilience in students and assisting them in overcoming adversity. In order to better comprehend the long-term impacts of adversity on children, it delved into ways to conceptualize the connections between the nature, duration, timing, toxicity, and instability of the challenge. We learned how to build healing communities in our classrooms, how to respond to trauma, and how to avoid re-traumatization at this session that focused on trauma-informed practices.
Developing Effective Strategies: Creating Plans with Industry Experts
Weekly Zoom calls with collaborators from William James College, Dr. Jill, and Dr. Shani provided valuable guidance on program planning and customization for our audience in Mhluzi. Their expertise enabled us to customize our approach precisely, guaranteeing its high relevance and effectiveness in our community context. The first week of May 2024 marks the start of their physical journey to Middelburg, accompanied by four psychology graduate students. Together, we have carefully selected 6 workshops that delve into important subjects like adolescent development, communicating effectively with teenagers, establishing boundaries and discipline, and fostering emotional resilience.
Academic Endeavors: Structuring Program Management
Our team is dedicated to creating a thorough set of documents to support the planning and execution of our program, in addition to our immersive training experience. By establishing clear project objectives, developing work breakdown structures, and creating timelines, we are laying the foundation for a successful implementation journey.
We share a commitment to achieving greatness and fostering creativity, which motivates us to combine our expertise from the Shamiri Institute and William James College with our academic endeavors in program management. Together, we have the chance to create a meaningful difference and foster resilience in our community. With unwavering resolve and a positive outlook, we set forth on this endeavor, fully aware that our endeavors will pave the way for a more promising and sustainable future for everyone. Join us as we strive to combine instructional design and program management to empower communities and make a positive impact on people’s lives.
