“Enough of Being Given Fish. We Shall Now Teach Ourselves to Fish“
For too long, Africa has relied on Eurocentric mental health models—programs and interventions that, while effective in their context, fail to address the unique realities of life on this continent. Imported solutions have been fed to us as the gold standard, and we have, knowingly or unknowingly, internalized this dependency. But it’s time to ask ourselves a crucial question: can we truly heal if the solutions we apply don’t speak our language, reflect our cultures, or align with our lived experiences?
African Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) is not just another program; it is a call to action. It challenges the status quo and offers a tailored, culturally rooted approach to addressing Africa’s mental health crisis. Here’s why AMHFA is different—and why it matters.
1. Cultural Relevance and Respect: A Model Built for Us
Mental health models often overlook Africa’s diverse cultural traditions, spiritual beliefs, and community-centric way of life. They operate on individualistic principles that don’t resonate in societies where collective well-being takes precedence.
AMHFA, on the other hand, is built from Africa’s own stories, struggles, and strengths. It respects and incorporates:
- Natural Traditional Healing Practices: Grounded in the wisdom of our forebears.
- Community Values: Recognizing that healing is not solitary but shared.
- We must own this truth: Africa’s healing starts with solutions that reflect our soul.
2. Community-Driven Healing: From Dependence to Empowerment
In Africa, the strength of a community is its lifeline. Yet, many imported models are designed for isolated, individual therapy. AMHFA embraces the power of collective healing by training leaders, educators, and families to become first responders in their communities.
By fostering peer support, shared learning, and communal responsibility, AMHFA moves us from dependency on external professionals to empowerment within our own networks.
We must own this reality: Healing is within our hands, not in distant, inaccessible systems.
3. Breaking Stigma and Building Awareness: Addressing the Silence
Stigma around mental health is a universal issue, but in Africa, it is deeply rooted in cultural taboos, myths, and a lack of understanding. Imported solutions often fail to navigate these complexities, leaving stigma untouched and the silence unbroken.
4. Prevention and Early Intervention: Acting Before Crisis Hits
In a continent with the highest suicide rates globally, prevention is not optional—it is essential. Western models often focus on treatment after a crisis occurs, but AMHFA prioritizes prevention. We must own this urgency: Prevention is the most compassionate form of care.
5. Leveraging African Wisdom
Africa has a deep connection to creativity and nature—expressed through music, dance, storytelling, and our spiritual ties to the land. AMHFA taps into these inherent strengths.
These approaches resonate far more with African communities than Eurocentric one-on-one therapy models.
We must own this identity: Our traditions hold the keys to sustainable healing.
6. Sustainable Solutions: Building Systems That Last
Imported solutions often come and go, leaving little behind. AMHFA is different—it focuses on creating long-term change through:
- Policies tailored to African workplaces, schools, and homes.
- Training leaders to champion mental wellness.
- Teaching individuals to sustain their mental well-being and support others.
We must own this responsibility: Healing must be a legacy, not a fleeting intervention.
A Call to Action: Africa, It’s Time to Lead Ourselves
We have been led for too long by solutions that don’t fit. We have accepted systems that don’t understand us, and in doing so, we have perpetuated dependency. But AMHFA offers something different—a chance to reclaim ownership of our mental health narrative.
AMHFA is built by Africans, for Africans. It is culturally relevant, community-driven, and deeply rooted in our traditions and values. It challenges us to look inward, to trust our strengths, and to create solutions that are not just effective but transformative.
We must own this truth: Africa doesn’t need imported solutions. It needs solutions that speak its language, reflect its realities, and honour its stories.
Are You Ready to Join the Movement?
AMHFA is not just about addressing mental health; it’s about redefining how Africa heals. Together, we can create a future where mental wellness is woven into the fabric of our communities, workplaces, and schools.
Let’s own it. Let’s lead it. Let’s heal.
Contact AMHFA your Mental Wellness Needs
www.shiberotrust.org
Email:spht@shibero.com
