Through Hakeem’s Space, BVI provides mental health support and advocacy for children, teens, and adults—breaking stigmas, championing emotional resilience, and transforming trauma into pathways of hope.
Empowering Minds, Healing Hearts
Hakeem’s Place
At a
Glance
Over 345 million people globally face mental health challenges (WHO, approximate)
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target regions in Kenya: Embakasi East, Laikipia East, Dagoreti North, Machakos
Daily sessions in local schools, covering preventive mental health education
Expansion plan: Dedicated Wellness Center at The Happy Place in Laikipia
Program
Overview
At Beyond the Vision Initiative (BVI), we firmly believe that mental wellness is a critical pillar in overcoming generational poverty. Hakeem’s Space was established in 2020 to honor a young life lost to suicide—driving home the urgency of mental health awareness and timely intervention. This program focuses on preventive education, trauma-informed counseling, and victim advocacy for sexual or substance-related violence.
A Safe Space for All
“Hakeem” symbolizes countless youths in Kenya’s informal settlements who silently bear the weight of stigma, abuse, or emotional distress. Through workshops, peer support groups, and community forums, Hakeem’s Space equips individuals with the tools to safely express themselves, seek help, and foster mental resilience.
Objectives
- Enhance Mental Health Awareness
Conduct regular educational sessions on trauma, substance abuse, and stress management in schools and communities. - Promote Emotional Resilience
Provide students with coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and life stress, empowering them to navigate challenges more effectively. - Facilitate Safe Reporting
Establish confidential channels for reporting sexual violence and substance abuse, ensuring survivors access prompt support. - Offer Trauma-Informed Counseling
Provide on-site or mobile counseling services that prioritize empathy, confidentiality, and tailored treatment plans. - Advocate for Victims
Deliver specialized support for survivors of sexual-based trauma, including legal aid and referral to safe houses. - Expand Peer Support Networks
Train students to be mental health ambassadors, promoting openness and early detection of emotional distress among peers. - Community Engagement
Organize parent forums and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage proactive mental wellness strategies
Activities & Implementation Approach
Preventive Education in Schools
Daily sessions at partner schools in Embakasi East, Dagoreti North, and beyond cover topics like consent, sexual violence prevention, and substance abuse. These lessons aim to break down taboos and foster honest conversations about mental health.
Trauma Counseling & Victim Advocacy
Certified counselors offer one-on-one and group therapy for those affected by sexual violence, drug abuse, or trauma. In severe cases, Hakeem’s Space coordinates with local authorities and safe houses to ensure survivors’ protection.
Community Forums & Parent Engagement
Regular open forums bring parents and local leaders together. This inclusive dialogue helps dispel misconceptions about mental health, drug use, and the signs of emotional distress.
Mobile Outreach
In remote areas or marginalized communities, mobile counselors visit schools and churches, ensuring every individual—especially children and teens—can access the support they deserve.
Progress &
Reach
- Hundreds of students have attended mental health sessions, learning to recognize early warning signs.
- Parent forums reduce stigma and spark more supportive home environments for at-risk youth.
“Hundreds of students have attended mental health sessions, learning to recognize early warning signs.
Parent forums reduce stigma and spark more supportive home environments for at-risk youth.”
Our Partners
HNA Mental Wellness Program Inc.: Curriculum development, counselor training, and victim advocacy resources
Beyond Vision Foundation: Oversight and strategic partnerships
Local Government & NGOs: Legal aid, safe housing, and event collaborations on World Mental Health Day
Such alliances enhance Hakeem’s Space by widening its reach and deepening its impact on vulnerable communities.
Future
Plans
Wellness Center at The Happy Place: Establish a dedicated mental health facility for boarding students and the local Laikipia community.
Substance Abuse Recovery Services: Expand referral networks for comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
Scaling School-Based Curriculum: Introduce structured mental health modules across more districts, especially in rural Kenya.
World Mental Health Day Events: Host annual awareness campaigns, featuring workshops and policy advocacy aimed at bolstering national support for mental wellness.
Needs
(Funding & Support)
To grow Hakeem’s Space and sustain its transformative programs, we seek:
- Funding for counselor salaries, training materials, and emergency safe house operations
- Professional Volunteers (counselors, psychologists, social workers) to manage outreach and therapy sessions
- Event Sponsorships for World Mental Health Day and community awareness campaigns
- Infrastructure Support for the future Wellness Center at The Happy Place
By contributing, you help ensure urgent counseling, victim support, and preventive education become realities for those most at risk.
Through Hakeem’s Space, BVI advocates for mental wellness as a cornerstone of personal growth—ensuring every child, teen, and adult has the opportunity to break free from trauma and flourish.