Activity Report
Location: Kisumu
Activity Date: 05.03.2025
Start Time: 8:30 AM End Time: 1:00 PM
Facilitators: Thomas Ogalo, Rosemary Awuor Opiyo
Number of Participants: 19
Male: 3 Female: 16
Activity Purpose/ Summary:
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Better Me conducted an inception session at Kisumu Women Maximum Prison, focusing on mental wellness and an initial assessment of the well-being of the prison wardens. The session aimed to introduce Better Me’s work, build rapport with the prison wardens, and understand the challenges they face in their work environment.
Personnel Input:
The session was facilitated by Rosemary Opiyo, a professional counselor volunteering with Better Me, and Thomas Ogalo, a psychologist. Upon arrival, our team had to surrender our phones due to security protocols, retrieving them only after the session. We began with an introductory discussion with the prison in charge, where we explained Better Me’s work and its focus on mental wellness.
To engage participants, Thomas led a fun activity to build rapport with the prison wardens and the Red Cross team in attendance. The session then transitioned into a discussion where the wardens shared challenges they face in their work and their coping mechanisms for handling workplace stress. The Red Cross team conducted a Mpox sensitization session before we wrapped up the meeting.
Achievements:
Successfully introduced Better Me and its work with first responders to the prison in charge and wardens.
Conducted a meaningful discussion with 11 prison wardens about their mental well-being.
Facilitated a rapport-building session that encouraged open discussions on challenges and coping mechanisms.
Engaged the management team in conversations about future mental wellness sessions for their staff.
Identified mental health as a key concern within the prison environment and received an official request for weekly sessions.
Unanticipated Achievements:
The prison management openly acknowledged the need for structured mental wellness support and actively sought a long-term partnership.
Despite the Red Cross team arriving late, their engagement opened the door for potential future collaboration on health-related issues within the prison.
Supporting Partners:
Kenya Prison Services
Kenya Red Cross
