In partnership with the Shamiri Institute, we successfully implemented the Shamiri Project in Migori County. This initiative aimed at improving the mental health and overall well-being of adolescents and young people in the region, with a focus on promoting positive mindsets, resilience, and academic motivation. The project targeted secondary school students, equipping them with practical psychological tools rooted in growth mindset, gratitude and value affirmation approaches. Through peer-led group sessions facilitated by trained youth mentors, participants were guided to reflect on personal values, embrace challenges as growth opportunities and develop coping mechanisms for daily stressors.
The implementation in Migori County reached over 5000 adolescents across selected schools. Feedback from teachers, parents and the youth themselves indicated significant improvements in self-esteem, peer relationships and academic engagement among participants. The project also integrated awareness sessions on mental health stigma reduction and the importance of early intervention, contributing to more open conversations around psychological well-being in schools and communities.
Furthermore, the Shamiri Project was instrumental in building local capacity by training a cohort of youth facilitators in evidence-based mental health techniques. These facilitators became champions of youth wellness, supporting their peers while fostering a culture of empathy and emotional support. The partnership between Tunaweza Empowerment Organization and the Shamiri Institute has proven essential in addressing the mental health needs of young people in Migori County, laying the foundation for long-term, youth-centered mental health interventions that are accessible, relatable, and community-driven.
