GEDE received Special Recognition Award

The National Network of People Living with HIV-AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) and the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) marked 2015 World AIDS Day with a cultural Night of Tributes.  Development Partners, Government Agencies, People Living with HIV-AIDS and other relevant agencies representing various groups attended the event.

Organizations and individuals were recognized based on their contributions to the national response to HIV prevention, treatment and care.

Gede Foundation ART treatment to people living with HIV-AIDS and care for children orphaned by AIDS stretches back to 2003 with thousands of beneficiaries reached through several projects.Gede’s current prevalence study on depression, alcohol abuse and suicidality among people living with HIV-AIDS is a pointer to the Foundation’s wider consideration and advocacy for the integration of mental health into ART services in order to enhance treatment outcomes to those currently on treatment. It is the work being undertaken with partners, IHVN.

The Foundation is using this opportunity to express its gratitude to the Award Committee for considering the nominations and thereafter, awarding Gede   with “A SPECIAL RECOGNITION’. With this, Gede is hereby encouraged to do more as the Foundation pledges more commitment to its work in improving the mental health of those living with stigmatized and underserved health burdens.

What happens to the mental health of a child who is sexually abused?

The mental health of the sexually abused child was considered in Gede’s recent mental health dialogue meeting where Hajia Aisha Umoru Tokura (Twin and I Childcare Foundation) spoke extensively on the subject matter. It was a heart rendering session as participants were told about different scenarios where children have been sexually abused and ended up with one mental challenge or the other which include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and suicide.

Although tackling the issue of child sexual abuse may appear daunting in our environment, joint efforts that can be employed to overcome this hurdle as identified in this dialogue include – providing adequate shelter (centres)  where abused children can be taken for safety ( a way of avoiding the mental torture they go through if they continue to see the abuser), enforcement agencies to be equipped with adequate database and have up to date offenders’ list so society is aware of who to be on the lookout for, holistic enlightenment that also involves parents through parents forum etc, educational policy and curriculum to incorporate sex education at certain times in the school calendar. Participants were relieved that there was an association like the coalition on mental health where they could air views as one voice to the appropriate authorities. With this, The Mental Health Dialogue for 2015 has come to a successful end. For further details about Gede’s ‘Mental Health Dialogue Programme’ and to obtain the list of speakers in the coming year 2016, please email Olusolape Bamijoko on (obamijoko@gedefoundation.org)

The Role of Advocacy in Promoting Mental Health

For any underserved and stigmatized health burden such as mental health, a lot is required to bring it ‘out of the shadows’. Gede Foundation and the CSO Coalition are taking different approaches to generate discussions around mental health. There is need to sustain the ‘dialogue’ as much as possible to relevant stakeholders, which will evolve eventually  into tangible positive national responses. At Gede’s Mental Health Dialogue Programme, a significant attention is given to awareness raising around many issues relating to mental health and the dangers that are linked with stigma from the illness.

During the recent Mental Health Dialogue meeting, Emmanuel Osemeka of Social Welfare Network Initiative (SWNI) was able to present the importance of Advocacy as a tool in driving mental health issues to relevant stakeholders for maximum impacts and discussed  the characteristic of a successful advocacy group.

In Nigeria for instance, Gede and the  Coalition of Civil Society Organizations under the umbrella of Global Awareness for Mental Health Association is in the fore front to participate in any advocacy activity that will enhance inclusiveness of mental health across various health intervention programmes as well as promote the National Policy for the Delivery of Mental Health Services in Nigeria.

There is much to be articulated in making advocacy effective, kindly visit the site for more on the outcome of the Coalition  advocacy activities.

For further details about Gede’s ‘Mental Health Dialogue Programme’ and to obtain the list of speakers for the rest of 2015, please email Olusolape Bamijoko on: obamijoko@gedefoundation.org

Gede makes landmark presentation to Embassy in Abuja

There is often confusion between pressure or challenges and stress, and sometimes it is used to excuse bad management practices.

Gede’s innovative Managing Stress in the Workplace Programme notched up another key milestone through a major presentation to management staff of the Netherlands Embassy.

The Gede Foundation’s “Managing Stress in the Workplace Programme” is helping to raise awareness about stress in the workplace, causes and ways in which some of the issues regarding stress can be addressed.

The Ambassador and Staff of the Netherlands Embassy played host to Gede during their management meeting as they welcomed Gede’s Managing Stress in the Workplace Programme. Participants saw the need for a more conscious approach in developing healthy workforce as outlined during the presentation and ways in which this could be sustained. Possible work place stressors were identified, which, if not checked and addressed, could lead to economic loss in the workplace.

‘While some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity’- says a participant.

The ability to cope with stress begins with recognizing the warning signs and seeking appropriate professional help as outlined in the presentation.

 There is treatment pathway which will enable organizations to access Gede’s interventions in providing support geared toward promoting healthy work force within organizations. High quality institutions need an appropriate mental health welfare package for their team members and Gede is engaging with an increasing number of organizations to provide this.

Contact us through godwin@gedefoundation.org for more information 

GRATEFUL vs GREAT FOOL-EDOKWE, Chidozie Bright

I recently stumbled on the saying that “he who is not GRATEFUL is a GREAT FOOL.” I thought deeply about this and as we wrap up the PSP, I’d like to mention a few things that I am grateful for.

1.       I am ever grateful to Gede Foundation and IHVN for the opportunity to be part of the biggest Prevalence Study on Depression, Alcohol Use and Suicidality among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Abuja, Nigeria. From the interview day till the end of the study, it’s been a huge learning process; I am really grateful.

2.       I am grateful to the Senior Management Team, the Managing Director Mr John Minto and Dr Cynthia Ticao, for ‘fishing’ me out from my other nine colleagues to be Project Assistant. It was indeed an honour, I am really grateful. Jeremy Boglosa and Godwin Etim, I appreciate you deeply.

3.       I am grateful to my esteemed and wonderful colleagues with whom I worked tirelessly on this project for six months;

Prisca- you are indeed a rare gem- you assisted me throughout the times I doubled as Project Assistant and Interviewer and even at the same time, the team leader for UATH site (University of Abuja Teaching Hospital). You helped me where you could and where you couldn’t you showed concern.

Chinonso- you were always there to assist, always! You made a lot of things work at UATH, you were the uniting force among us, that was good, and you did it intentionally.

Bukky- quiet in your own way but diligent to work. We had our fighting times and laughing times; it was just a typical case of disagreeing to agree. You stood for what was right. I loved it! There was a note you made in ‘your office’ on the computer screen that talked about leadership and integrity, each time I come to that office, I peep at it because it continually reminds me of who I am and what I should represent.

Miriam- you are a committed and focused young lady who knows her onions and how to get it.

Tina- my lovely Tina! I disturbed you a lot during your tenure as team leader, but you know, we had to do our work. What all the other team leaders faced from me was just a tip of the iceberg compared to you. You know what, you are a reliable lady, and I love you for that!

Akomeno- my guy my guy! The ladies’ man! You had a way of mixing work with fun, I really wish I could do that. Moreso, Kome, you are a much focused young man who knows where he is going and know how to get there. Kudos brother. 

Comfort- you are very eccentric, combines so many things at same time, good at work also with very beautiful smiles.

Samira- I love your sincerity of heart and your dedication to duty, we talked more during the last days of the project and each time we spoke, I see a lady who will one day be in helms of affairs of this great country. Believe me!

Alilu- my close rival, how could I have taken Tina away from you, so that you visit your village because of me? Mba nu!(LOL). I loved the way you possessed Tina from the beginning of the project till the end, even though it was all jokes. You are also a good and kind man with great focus, and you always strive for excellence.

Shriley- beautiful and talented. You may not be known and understood from a distance, but a close contact with you is very revealing of the potentials in you and your sincerity of purpose.

Itunu- yes, you are loud, but always loud for a reason. You are willing to learn, willing to adjust and willing to take corrections. This is great!

Yusuf- you came in and blended in a flash! Could it be because of your friend Maleek? I can’t say; but I can say that your confidence is remarkable. You are also very detailed.

4.       IfyOguine and Jennifer Nwosu, our data encoders, you did a very great job! I am grateful to both of you.

5.       I am grateful to John Adakolo, MrsSolapeBamijoko and KizitoEbhohimen.; I enjoyed working with you. I found in you all profound humility.

6.       Francis Adagazu, you drove us back and forth the three sites without any mishaps. I am grateful to you for that. Mr Tony Ewesor, you ensured that we got paid promptly, thanks, I am grateful.

7.       Can I ever forget Esther Umoru, Micah Musa, Joy, and all the security guards? Each day I see you, I continually ask myself, how can someone be this humble? I am grateful to you for indirectly helping me re-enact the gift of humility.

I am indeed really grateful to you all!

Knowledge Sharing Sessions at Gede

As a learning organization, we believe that knowledge has no value unless you share and use it.  On two recent occasions, October 5th and 26th, knowledge sharing sessions were conducted at Gede Foundation.  The first one was on Organisational Development delivered by Jeremy Boglosa (PD: OD/SS).  Jeremy shared the basic knowledge and practical examples she has gained from her week-long course in June from INTRAC in Oxford, UK.  The second session was a step-down meeting from the week-long summer course that was attended by Godwin Etim (PD: RM/PM) and Jeremy Boglosa (PD: OD/SS) on Global Mental Health Action and Research at the King’s College London.  Both sessions were attended by the whole Gede team. 

Building staff capacity is a priority for Gede Foundation, especially that Mental Health is a relatively new concept for most of its team members.  To ensure that the knowledge and skills are passed on to the rest of the team, the attendee is required to conduct a step-down session or step down sessions if one session is not enough; and at the same time apply the knowledge he/she has gained and involve other team members in the practical application of the concept/knowledge. 

We look forward to the time when we will  share our lessons to other organizations.  

M&E Workshop for Gede’s SMT

To further strengthen its mandate to mainstream organizational learning, particularly through its M&E system, Gede Foundation’s Senior Management Team (SMT) attended a Workshop on M&E Fundamentals.  The workshop was organized and facilitated by the Foundation’s new Program and M&E Manager, Mr. Kizito Ebhohimen. 

 Fundamental M&E concepts were reviewed during the workshop which really refreshed the participant’s knowledge and appreciation of M&E.  Practical issues were discussed and ways forward on how Gede can strengthen its M&E system in 2016 were identified.   

We believe that M&E and learning must be mainstreamed at the same time because M&E can be a tool to capture learning and lessons learned can provide more meaning to M&E.  

ARE YOUNG PEOPLE VULNERABLE TO MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS?

Research around the World suggests that mental disorders account for a large proportion of the disease burden in young people in all societies. Most mental disorders begin during youth (12–24 years of age), although they are often first detected later in life. Poor mental health is strongly related to other health and development concerns in young people notably lower educational achievements, substance abuse, violence, and poor reproductive and sexual health. As WHO has reported also, the more extreme aspect of mental health, suicide, is the leading killer among teenagers around the world.

Gede Foundation marked this year’s Mental Health Day by organizing   a seminar among school teachers in the FCT to raise awareness about mental health and disabilities among in-school youths, and ways in which some of the challenges could be addressed. 110 participants including heads of schools, teachers, school counselors, FCT Education Board and civil society organizations noted the need for school-based interventions for mental health.

The effectiveness of some interventions( linkages between schools and  community mental health specialists) for some mental disorders in this age-group have been established, although more research is urgently needed to improve the range of affordable and feasible interventions, since most mental-health needs in young people are unmet.

Recommendations from the event will be forwarded to relevant agencies who will ensure that some level of school-based interventions is promoted. 

GEDE AND WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2015

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts to promote it. The day also presents an opportunity for all stakeholders working in different areas concerning mental health to bring to the global consciousness the roles and significance of mental health to the overall contribution to general well-being.

Gede featured on a radio programme with WE FM 106.3 in the Federal Capital Territory to present its plans in marking this year’s event which will include:

 Raising awareness about mental health by working with the FCT Bikers’ Association through organizing a road show which will run from Transcorp Hilton Junction and Millennium Recreational Park in the FCT on 10 October 2015.The activity will attract media coverage and will be used as a preparatory activity for the main event. An estimated 30 Bikers will take part in the road show using banners with mental health messages and,

A seminar presentation by a team of experts who will deliver sessions with relevant topics covering mental health and disabilities among in-school youths. About 50 participants including heads of schools, teachers, school counselors and FCT education Board senior staff across the six area councils in the FCT will form the core attendees for the 14 October 2015 event.

These activities will add to i)   awareness raising on mental health in general and specifically targeting school based mental health issues, ii) existing knowledge  within education sector on the need to include mental health interventions within secondary schools, and,  iii) initiating a school-based  response to addressing the mental health-related disorders in schools. All of these will add to raise awareness across different sectors and within civil society organizations and stakeholders.

Join us on the road show and add your voices to promote mental health!