Empowering Lives Through the PFA/MHPSS Empowerment Program
At Betso Charity Foundation (BCF), we believe in empowering individuals and enhancing communities through innovation, education, and skills training. Our recent Psychosocial First Aid/Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (PFA/MHPSS) Empowerment Program, held from November 21st to 22nd, 2024, was another impactful step towards fostering self-reliance and community resilience.
About the PFA/MHPSS Empowerment Program
The primary goal of this initiative was to equip participants—particularly widows, women, and young girls—with essential skills and knowledge to improve their income generation capabilities, enhance their livelihoods, and foster psychological well-being. The program provided a structured environment for entrepreneurial training, trauma healing sessions, and community development.
Key Objectives
The empowerment program was designed to:
- Train participants in liquid soap production as a means of income generation.
- Facilitate trauma healing sessions through mental health and psychosocial support group discussions.
- Promote resilience and entrepreneurial mindsets among attendees.
- Establish a peer-support network for ongoing development and collaboration.
- Encourage participants to take active roles in their communities through service and engagement.
Program Highlights
The event featured various interactive activities, including keynote speeches, mentorship sessions, and practical training workshops. Participants engaged in hands-on training, particularly in soap production, gaining valuable skills that will enable them to become self-sufficient and contribute to their families and communities.
Furthermore, the trauma healing sessions created a safe space for participants to share their experiences, find emotional support, and gain coping mechanisms to overcome challenges. These sessions proved to be a significant part of the empowerment process, reinforcing both personal and collective resilience.
Participants and Impact
A total of 48 participants, including widows (aged 25-50) and young girls (aged 18-30), actively engaged in the training. The diverse training methodologies—ranging from lectures, group discussions, workshops, and game-based learning—ensured a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
Lessons Learned & Future Recommendations
While the program was a resounding success, it also highlighted some key areas for future improvement:
- Limited seating capacity at the venue led to some participants standing.
- Shortage of training materials, particularly soap-making chemicals, required better resource planning.
- Time constraints restricted the depth of some training sessions.
To address these challenges, we recommend:
- Continuation and Expansion: Scaling up the program to reach more individuals across different communities.
- Enhanced Training Themes: Incorporating additional skill-building topics to widen participants’ economic opportunities.
- Partnerships & Collaborations: Engaging with more organizations and stakeholders to amplify the program’s impact and sustainability.
A Step Towards Sustainable Change
The PFA/MHPSS Empowerment Program is a testament to our commitment to fostering growth, healing, and self-sufficiency among vulnerable groups. We are proud of the achievements of the participants and remain dedicated to providing them with the tools and support needed for long-term success.
At Betso Charity Foundation, we continue to champion initiatives that empower lives, one act of kindness at a time.
For more information on our programs and how you can support our cause, visit www.betsocharity.org.
