|
The Empowerment Self-Defense Program, funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), has provided nearly 500 adolescents in the Siphofaneni area with knowledge on gender-based violence, mental health, and suicide prevention. This initiative has equipped participants with a deeper understanding of power dynamics, tools to minimize abuse and violence, the ability to recognize threatening situations early, and techniques to end assaults. The self-defense class has imparted participants with the necessary skills to boost confidence and reduce the risk of sexual assault. Furthermore, they have learned crucial techniques to protect themselves in dangerous situations. Additionally, participants have received mental health support through counseling services.
Gender equality is a fundamental factor in addressing gender-based violence, making it crucial to educate boys and girls about gender equality and gender norms. One of the key topics covered in the Empowerment Self-Defense Program was Consent and Boundaries. Teaching boys about personal boundaries, bodily autonomy, and mutual respect from a young age helps prevent coercive behaviors later in life and instills in them the understanding that "no" means "no." Encouraging boys to recognize, express, and validate emotions fosters empathy and helps them respect others' feelings and boundaries.
0 Comments
Funded by the UK High Commission in Eswatini, Phumelela, in collaboration with Yebo Art Gallery and Antidote Foundation, developed a mental health booklet. This booklet serves as an introduction to mental health, covering the most common mental health issues relevant to the Swazi people. It explains what these issues are, their potential causes, and the available support (including self-care tips). To enhance understanding, especially for individuals from rural areas, the content was translated into Siswati. A total of 10,000 copies were printed, with 5,000 copies in Siswati and 5,000 copies in English, and distributed to various relevant stakeholders such as civil society groups, refugee camps, the Deputy Prime Minister's Office, churches, and the Royal Eswatini Police Service, among others.
The feedback received was highly positive, particularly for the Siswati version. People from rural areas expressed that they were previously unaware of the Siswati words for certain mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Consequently, the booklet played a crucial role in introducing these terms into the Swazi vocabulary, fostering a better understanding of mental health within the community.  The FNB Foundation of Eswatini funded the "Serve & Save" gender-based violence (GBV) initiative, which trained bartenders and barbers as psychological first aid responders (gatekeepers) in target establishments. The program aimed to reduce GBV risk, promote prevention and resilience, and aid recovery through targeted advertisements, community-based systems strengthening, mental health services, and alternative therapies like "Walk'n'Talk" counseling sessions at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. In total, 664 counseling sessions were conducted, with 82 individuals attending Walk'n'Talk. The digital campaign reached 453,768 users across Facebook and Instagram. 19 gatekeepers were trained in Manzini town and Ekukhanyeni constituency, reaching 481 individuals, including children.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on the mental well-being of individuals in Eswatini. In response, an initiative was undertaken to raise awareness about mental health and combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The campaign encompasses a diverse array of activities tailored to various demographics, with the Open Up Challenge specifically geared towards engaging the youth. Its objective is to inspire young people to openly discuss their mental health challenges and seek assistance. By showcasing videos of influential Swazi youth and staff members candidly sharing their personal experiences with mental health issues, the campaign serves as a powerful testament that mental health concerns transcend all segments of society. Here2Talk campaign funded by the UK High Commission in MbabaneThe financial assistance provided by the UK High Commission enabled the organization to mitigate the stigma and dispel the misconceptions surrounding mental illness, while simultaneously bolstering mental health and well-being support for the EmaSwati populace. This was achieved through the deployment of Psychological First Aid community counselors in rural areas, who facilitated mental health awareness initiatives and delivered essential services. These counselors were tasked with providing initial psychosocial support to individuals affected by crisis situations, thereby reducing the likelihood of subsequent mental health issues and complex trauma. Furthermore, their efforts facilitated the early detection of mental health disruptions, enabling timely interventions. MENTAL HEALTH PODCASTThe first episode of our podcast focused on the impact that Gender Based Violence(GBV) has on our mental health. Our trauma counselor, joined by two guests in the discussion, looked at the many forms of GBV and it's consequences in relation to mental health.
 Awarded to us by the Queens Commonwealth Trust, the grant ensured our continued support to some of the marginalized communities in the country which were also affected by the pandemic the most.
We take a look at some of the key factors of suicidal behavior and how to help prevent suicide in different social environments.More information on suicide prevention is available here: bit.ly/35AkLvA
FOOD DISTRIBUTION AT MANGWANENI,MANZINI Through the Covid 19 Emergency Grants Programme from the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, we were able to provide food for 70 households which included 20 people living with disabilities. #fooddistribution #coronavirusupdate #commonwealthtrust
Friend of the Phumelela Project Jack "Jally" Gallie is doing a DJ set in aid of the project. Do tune in if you can. Please check out our latest video highlighting all the work we have been doing sine the outbreak of Covid 19. Even though there is a lockdown due to #COVID19 and our office is closed, we still try to assist our beneficiaries in the best way possible. Our counsellor Nomthandazo conducts session via the phone from her home. She is doing this in a separate room or outside to ensure confidentiality! #counselingduringcovid19 #mentalhealth  Many vulnerable people in Eswatini do not have access to soap and sanitizers to help prevent the spread of #COVID19. Through a very generous donation from the Soap Shop in Manzini, we were able to assist residents of Mangwaneni (a local township) with these essentials. The community authorities were extremely helpful by identifying elderly and extremely vulnerable people! Siyabonga kakhulu!! #staysafe #communitysupport #COVID19
Phumelela Project is committed to assist our beneficiaries during this difficult time. We have received a very generous donation of soap and sanitizer products from The Soap Shop in Manzini. As most of the vulnerable people we try to help have little or no access to soap etc., we will work with the local communities to distribute these products. We will also focus on the elderly residents and how to distribute them safely for all those involved. #COVID19 #staysafe
As of the 21st March 2020 The Phumelela Projects office in Manzini is closed. All staff we be working from home until further notice. We will be conducting all counselling via the internet and telephone. In this very difficult time we are doing everything possible to maintain as much of our service as we can. Please check back for updates. Stay safe. Stay at home. Save lives.  John (not his real name) was addicted to alcohol for a long time. He joined Phumelela in 2016 and we were able to refer him to a local Rehab Centre (the only one in Eswatini). After finishing the one year program, he was able to get a job at a local company. Phumelela further assisted him in getting a drivers license, so he is able to work as a driver for the company. He reported that he is still sober, living independently in his own flat. Help continue Phumelela's vital work in supporting young people like John by making a donation today: https://www.gofundme.com/phumelelaproject-help-me-on-my-way
The Kingdom of Eswatini is a source and transit destination country for men, women and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor. Most victims are from poor communities. Phumelela identified 2 young girls, who were forced to sell their bodies after school. During counselling sessions, they reported being approached by a woman in an unmarked car to join her "business" in South Africa. It turned out the girls were in high risk of being sex trafficked. Together with the Government Social Welfare Department and their guardians, the girls were safely placed in a home for abused girls. There, they will be able to continue school and recover from their traumatic experiences. #stophumantrafficking #stoprape #stopsextrafficking  |
|
Phumelela was founded with the support of our principal donor, the Rotary Club of Dudelange, Luxembourg. To find out more about Rotary International and how you can get involved, please click: here.
|
|
© COPYRIGHT PHUMELELA 2019. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.