The Mental Health Ambassadorship Program, initiated by the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) at the Aga Khan University focuses on advancing mental health awareness and practices through a comprehensive Micro-Certificate course. The course aims to reduce stigma, nurture empathy, and provide early detection and recognition of mental illness. To increase open access, no prerequisites are required.
This program features webinars and interactive modules led by experts who contributed to its success. In addition to staff from AKU, we provided access to community organizations, including Futbol Mas, the Nivishe Foundation, and the Nairobi County Mental Health Unit, to enhance outreach and efficacy.
This course is offered simultaneously at both major AKU campuses in Nairobi and Karachi. Despite challenges such as coordinating across time zones and cultural nuances, the program has achieved a remarkable 82% retention rate in its first run, graduating 36 participants. The program's success implies that we will expand course offerings in 2024.
The Multiplier Effect within the program is tangible and measurable. Collaborations with the Nivishe Foundation, Futbol Mas, and Nairobi County have resulted in direct contact with thousands of individuals, demonstrating a broad ripple effect. The program's expansion involves equipping local officials, leveraging the Multiplier Effect at an institutional level to influence mental health policies and services.
The collaboration with Nairobi County signifies a commitment to a sustainable and resilient public health system, potentially catalyzing a cultural shift towards recognizing and proactively addressing mental health. The program aspires to catalyze a community-wide movement towards improved mental well-being, transforming initial investments into a pervasive cultural and behavioral shift.
In conclusion, the Mental Health Ambassadorship Program at BMI emerges as a transformative initiative, not just educating individuals but creating a lasting impact on mental health awareness and practices across diverse communities and cultures.
The Mental Health Ambassadorship Program, initiated by the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) at the Aga Khan University focuses on advancing mental health awareness and practices through a comprehensive Micro-Certificate course. The course aims to reduce stigma, nurture empathy, and provide early detection and recognition of mental illness. To increase open access, no prerequisites are required.
This program features webinars and interactive modules led by experts who contributed to its success. In addition to staff from AKU, we provided access to community organizations, including Futbol Mas, the Nivishe Foundation, and the Nairobi County Mental Health Unit, to enhance outreach and efficacy.
This course is offered simultaneously at both major AKU campuses in Nairobi and Karachi. Despite challenges such as coordinating across time zones and cultural nuances, the program has achieved a remarkable 82% retention rate in its first run, graduating 36 participants. The program's success implies that we will expand course offerings in 2024.
The Multiplier Effect within the program is tangible and measurable. Collaborations with the Nivishe Foundation, Futbol Mas, and Nairobi County have resulted in direct contact with thousands of individuals, demonstrating a broad ripple effect. The program's expansion involves equipping local officials, leveraging the Multiplier Effect at an institutional level to influence mental health policies and services.
The collaboration with Nairobi County signifies a commitment to a sustainable and resilient public health system, potentially catalyzing a cultural shift towards recognizing and proactively addressing mental health. The program aspires to catalyze a community-wide movement towards improved mental well-being, transforming initial investments into a pervasive cultural and behavioral shift.
In conclusion, the Mental Health Ambassadorship Program at BMI emerges as a transformative initiative, not just educating individuals but creating a lasting impact on mental health awareness and practices across diverse communities and cultures.
