At the core of our work is the belief that if you ‘give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; if you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime’. 

We’re actively addressing the mental health crisis in Africa with a community-centered approach. Through education, support, and empowerment, we’re breaking down stigma, promoting self-care, and mobilizing communities to care for one another, mental well-being is prioritized and those struggling with mental illness find compassion and support within their communities.

Our Mission and Vision:

Empower individuals and communities in Africa impacted by depression by fostering mentally healthy families and sustainable well-being. Build hope and resilience to equip communities with the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities while reducing depression.

Our Core Values

Our organizational values are the foundation of all of our work.

• Rooted in Christian values of love, compassion, and stewardship, we are committed to making a lasting impact. 
• We maintain integrity and honesty in all we do, building trust within the communities we serve. 
• By embracing innovation and collaboration, we develop culturally sensitive mental wellness approaches tailored to the unique needs of African communities.

AMHFA Theory of Change

THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

In the next  five years, we aim to establish ourselves as a leading force in transforming mental health in Africa, starting in Kenya. Our focus will be:

• Introducing AMHFA training manuals in educational institutions across the country.
• Publishing AMHFA materials in major bookstores, making them widely accessible.
• Normalizing discussions around depression, creating a culture where it’s okay to talk openly about mental health.
• Integrating mental health awareness and education into school curriculums to address critical issues impacting communities, families, schools, and workplaces.
• Advocating for mental health policies that prioritize prevention, support, and early intervention at both national and local levels.
• Building partnerships with key stakeholders to drive policy change and ensure mental health becomes a core focus in public health agendas.

Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to foster resilient communities, shape policies, and create sustainable change across all sectors of society.

Sustaining Our Mission
We will build strong partnerships and secure funding to ensure our work remains impactful and sustainable in the long run.

Guided by Data
Targeted research will drive our strategy, allowing us to adapt and address emerging mental health challenges effectively.

Strengthening Connections
We’ll cultivate a network of support among communities and professionals, fostering shared growth and collaboration in mental health initiatives.

Scaling Together
Collaborating with key partners, we’ll expand our reach and amplify our impact to create lasting positive change across Kenya.

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Why AMHFA Training Works

Recognizing that traditional Western approaches to mental health can be culturally incongruent in Africa, we’ve tailored our training to resonate with local communities. We bridge the gap by embracing culturally relevant methods that are engaging and accessible. 

By integrating performing arts, particularly drama therapy, we leverage the rich storytelling and creative traditions of African cultures. This approach enables participants to explore their experiences, build empathy, and develop coping skills in a way that feels authentic and culturally connected.

2. Supporting Family Mental Wellness: A Guide for Parents and Guardians

With up to 40.8% of African adolescents facing emotional and behavioural challenges, this course is designed to help parents and guardians support their children’s mental health. 

The program explores how cultural practices and family dynamics can influence children’s well-being, often unintentionally perpetuating stress, anxiety, and depression. Through practical strategies, the course equips families to recognize early signs of mental distress, create supportive home environments, and promote mental wellness. By addressing the unique cultural and social realities within African families, this course aims to foster resilience and nurture a positive mental health culture for future generations.

3. Empowering Women’s Mental Health in Africa

With 66 million women in Africa affected by depression, it’s clear that mental health challenges disproportionately impact women. 

This course is designed to equip women with the tools and understanding to manage depression, reduce stigma, and promote resilience. 

By addressing cultural, social, and economic factors that contribute to mental ill health, the course provides practical strategies to help women prioritize their mental well-being while supporting those around them. 

4. Workplace Mental Health in Africa: Addressing the Cultural Roots of Stress and Depression

The World Bank identifies depression as the “greatest thief of productive economic life” in Africa, largely driven by untreated stress. 

In many workplaces, the daily accumulation of stress often goes unnoticed, yet it’s a key factor triggering depression. 

This course explores how workplace environments, influenced by cultural norms and expectations, contribute to mental health challenges. 

Participants will learn strategies to reduce workplace stress, promote mental wellness, and create supportive environments that prioritize well-being while boosting productivity.