Training Para-Counselors to Support Nairobi's Urban Refugee Community

As part of a combined Mental Health and Community Outreach initiative, RefuSHE is training 40 urban refugees representing six East and Central African countries to become community para-counselors and make mental health services more accessible and relevant to refugees living across Nairobi’s informal settlements. 

Most refugees come from conflict or war-torn situations that predispose them to trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions. Refugee communities often face discrimination, alienation, difficulty securing employment, and restricted opportunities to pursue education and livelihoods. Displaced populations also face adversity due to loss of or separation from family, the erosion of social support mechanisms and community networks, and cultural or linguistic barriers to accessing health services. All of these factors can contribute to poor mental health for refugee communities. 

With support from our partners at Seamont Foundation, our goal is to improve mental health conditions and resources across urban refugee communities in Nairobi by putting the knowledge and tools into the hands of those who understand the refugee journey firsthand. 

The training prepares para-counselors to identify community members in need of mental health services and equips them with the tools they need to deliver trauma-informed counseling in their native language as well as refer those who require further professional help. RefuSHE is also providing counseling to the para-counselors themselves to better support their healing journeys and learning.

Language is often a barrier to seeking and receiving proper mental health care, so it was especially important that we have multiple languages represented in the para-counselors cohort. The languages that were represented in the training were: Oromo, Somali, Kinyarwanda, Kinyamulenge, Kilingala, and Anyuak. 

RefuSHE staff members were inspired to see individuals who have endured their own trauma and adversity step in and uplift others in their community. As early as January 2023, para-counselors will begin seeing clients and using their strength and resiliency to shine a light on other refugees who are struggling with their mental health. 

When asked why they wanted to participate in the training, one para-counselor said, “The level of mental awareness is very low in my community. I believe that after the training I can make an impact by creating awareness.” 

Another para-counselor said they hope to help their community by, “offering counseling to my community members who need it most by helping them explore their thoughts and feelings to reach self-understanding and make informed decisions.” 

The training also doubles as vocational development for refugees. For individuals who are unable to access formal education, the training is an experience they can put on their resumes and help further their careers. 

Of the 40 refugees who signed up for the initial training, 36 have already completed the training and will continue learning and growing with the program. We are thrilled to expand our mental health services and widen the reach of our impact. A big thank you to our partners at Seamont Foundation for helping fund this important initiative!