Beyond Stigma In Tanzania
Transforming Tanzania's Mental Health by addressing ignorance of autism and depression.
| Project Title | Beyond Stigma In Tanzania |
|---|---|
| Year | 2024 |
| Location | Dar es Salam |
| Country | Tanzania |
| Genre | Health |
| Lead Name(s) | Sabitina Mboya & Sandra Lema |
| Other Organisations | N/A |
| Value | $2,000 |
| Project Report |
Download Report |
Project details:
The Beyond Stigma in Tanzania project was initiated to address the critical issue of mental health stigma, with a specific focus on the lack of understanding surrounding autism and depression in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Over the past few months, we have made substantial progress by raising awareness and fostering inclusivity through diverse initiatives.
Key Achievements
➔ Solar Light Installations: Installed solar lights at the government autism center in Mtoni Mbagala to support children with autism and other sensory sensitivities during power outages. After consulting with the center, we identified that frequent power cuts were disrupting activities and causing discomfort. Solar lights were chosen as the most effective solution, and we successfully purchased and installed them, ensuring a stable and well-lit environment for both children and staff.
➔ Provision of Workshops for Workers: Held workshops at Claritas International and Mbezi Garden Hotel in both English and Kiswahili to ensure all workers could participate. Topics covered autism, mental health stigmas and stereotypes in Tanzania, as well as stress and autism coping strategies. Psychologists were involved to provide in-depth insights, enhancing the quality of the sessions. The workshops also included open discussions, with active participation from workers who showed strong interest in attending future sessions.
➔ Art Expression Day: hosting the Art for Mental Health event was a major achievement. It featured educational sessions, performances, and art activities to raise awareness and support for mental health. We collaborated with Nafasi Art for the venue, partnered with Mental Health Tanzania for professional education, and worked with the SALT Foundation, which was launching a supermarket for additional fundraising. The event successfully raised funds, deepened understanding of mental health, and showcased our commitment to education and community engagement.
➔ Creation of Inclusion Clubs: Established ten clubs in both secondary and primary schools to support the Beyond Stigma in Tanzania mission. The clubs monitor mental health awareness efforts, seek sponsorships and organize fundraising, partner with local NGOs, and provide educational courses and workshops. These actions ensure ongoing engagement, resource support, and project sustainability.
Post-project comments:
The Beyond Stigma in Tanzania project has made significant strides in enhancing mental health awareness and support within the community. The installation of solar lights at the autism center has directly improved the daily experiences of children and staff by ensuring a stable and comfortable environment. The workshops conducted at Claritas International and Mbezi Garden Hotel have equipped workers with valuable knowledge on autism and mental health, fostering a more inclusive workplace. The Expressions of Hope event successfully engaged the community, raising funds and increasing understanding of mental health issues through interactive sessions and performances.
What they said:
The project provided valuable lessons in leadership and management, enhancing my ability to lead a diverse team and navigate complex logistical challenges. It highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in addressing mental health issues, as understanding and respecting local perceptions were essential for effective community engagement. Additionally, the project's success in overcoming numerous rejections underscored the critical role of perseverance and resilience in driving meaningful change. These experiences have significantly shaped my approach to leadership and project management.
— Sabitina Mboya & Sandra Lema