Psychosocial Support

Psycho-Social Support (PSS) is about principles and values that shape our work with children, youth and communities. It is about enabling children to experience love, protection and support so that they may develop their own self-worth and sense of belonging. It is about ensuring that an individual feels cared for and supported in every aspect of their life, whether it be at home, school, work or as he/she interacts with the community, particularly during difficult times.

PSS cannot be achieved by an organization. Achievement of PSS is tied to individuals', families' and communities' commitment to building caring and nurturing relationships in their day to day lives. Unfortunately, when communities are affected by extreme poverty, HIV/AIDS, violence and abuse, it becomes difficult for most people to cope. Since there is a direct correlation between a positive mental and emotional state and physical well-being, Rafiki places a lot of emphasis on working with children, youth and parents/guardians to develop a positive outlook on life as a way of improving the overall health.

What We Do

Rafiki means Friend in Kiswahili. Our role within the community is to remind all ages that they are not alone in their struggles. Through facilitation of support groups, we help young people and adults regain their strength and resilience by coming together to support each other and to support children. These networks have created community support structures that are evolving into opportunities for individuals to identify common values, principles, actions, hopes and dreams that they have for their children and the greater community. By capturing people's common interests and future hopes, Rafiki is able to harness that energy and bring them to work together to create a healthy and supportive social environment, having a direct and positive effect on the physical, emotional and psychological health of children and youth.

Guardian Support Groups:

Guardians or caregivers of orphaned children are under a lot of pressure to care not only for their own family, but also to extend love and support to orphaned children under their care. In an effort to ease their stress and help them develop coping mechanisms, Rafiki encourages communities to come together as support groups to strengthen community parenting and encourage community members to discuss how to help children who have lost parents and those they love to develop the life skills they need to thrive.

These guardian support groups are facilitated by Community Health Workers who participate in Rafiki’s mentorship program on community mobilization and life skills.

PSS Centers:

Rafiki has mentored community members to establish and run PSS centers in various locations Central Uyoma of Rarieda District. There are currently five PSS centers where more than 2,400 orphaned children gather at weekends and during school holidays to provide moral support to one another, play sports, participate in various child-led clubs and enjoy a warm, healthy meal.

These PSS centers help orphans find their place within the community, provide a forum for them to solve their problems and make friends, and help them become confident in sharing their ideas. They learn about teamwork, cooperation, how to support each other’s efforts and, most importantly, how to become self-reliant. These orphaned children are capable and innovative and are determined to succeed in life despite widely-held negative perceptions about them.

The PSS Centers:

• Facilitate children's self-determination
  
  
• Maximize the use of open spaces for participatory activities and self-organization
  
  
• Empower children and young people
  
  
• Appreciate children's potential and resources
  
  

HOW YOU COULD HELP US TO HELP THE COMMUNITY

The centers are a lifeline of hope for over 2,400 orphaned children. Your support is needed!