Nairobi - Cittadinanza

The problem

Kenia has a population of about 46 million inhabitants, with an average age of 19 years and a 43.4% living below the poverty line. Despite the law, which recently ordered the delivery of services for mental health at community level, the reality is very different: with less than 100 psychiatrists in the whole country (source WHO). The only public services are supplied by the largest psychiatric hospital of Mathare in Nairobi and by other three smaller psychiatric institutes, located in different regions of the country. In the facts, however, only people who work and, consequently have health insurance that covers the cost, can access these services.

Stigma against people with mental illness is still very high, as well as their social isolation. Problems that are aggravated in a world of disaggregation like the one of Kibera (Nairobi), one of the most populous and poor slum in all the Sub-Saharan Africa.

The answer of Cittadinanza

Since 2013, Cittadinanza has been supporting “Paolo’s Home” centre, which assists children with psycho-physical disabilities in Kibera. The centre was opened in 2008 by Koinonia organization and it is now attended by 110 children suffering from cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, Down syndrome, meningitis or brain damages due to birth complications, and mostly in malnutrition conditions.

In 2013, next to the clinic of physiotherapy, a day centre was opened. Here 15 children benefit every day of a full meal and educational activities, in addition to physiotherapy treatments, according to an individualized plan, with specific goals in physics, cognitive, communicative and social field.

The team of Paolo’s Home consists of two physiotherapists, a psychologist, an occupational therapist, a social worker and two educators who work mainly within the day center. In turns, two mothers are involved in meal preparation and in looking after the children, so to be protagonists of the rehabilitation process and have an income opportunity.

In 2015, an empowerment program was initiated for all the mothers: through training sessions and the availability of basic materials, they can produce and market tailored products and sandals.

The center promotes initiatives to raise awareness in the local community, offering free:

Physiotherapy treatments, even at home

Distribution of medicines

Distribution of ingredients for meals preparation

Psyco-social support