In a ceremony held in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, thirty-nine caregivers of children with disabilities received certificates for completing a training program focused on psychosocial, educational, and inclusive support. The training, which lasted for five months, aimed to equip caregivers with the necessary skills to provide support to children with disabilities in an inclusive educational setting. The program was organized by the Congolese press agency in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The training program was designed to provide caregivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to support children with intellectual or motor disabilities. According to Dr. Dumazedier Kabasele, a neurologist and mental health expert, the program aimed to make schools more inclusive and capable of receiving children with disabilities. The program consisted of four months of theoretical training and one month of practical training.
The ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, including Dr. Gedeon Samba, Director of the National Mental Health Program (PNSM). Dr. Samba emphasized the importance of addressing mental health and disability issues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where stigmatization is prevalent. He commended the NGO Afyakili for taking the initiative to provide training on psychosocial support and mental health for children with disabilities.
Mme Prospérine Kezza, who oversaw the training program, highlighted the significance of the certificates awarded to the caregivers. She emphasized that the certificates not only recognized the caregivers' acquisition of knowledge and skills but also their determination and commitment to supporting children with disabilities. The training program was implemented in partnership with the National Mental Health Program (PNSM) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Dr. Gedeon Samba also emphasized the need to create a bureau to provide psychosocial support and mental health services to people with disabilities. He noted that mental health issues are often stigmatized and neglected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite the World Health Organization's definition of mental health as a crucial aspect of overall well-being.
The training program was implemented by the NGO Afyakili in partnership with the National Mental Health Program (PNSM) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The program aimed to address the needs of children with disabilities and provide them with the necessary support to access inclusive education. The certificates awarded to the caregivers demonstrate the commitment of stakeholders to promoting inclusive education and supporting children with disabilities.
The event highlights the efforts of stakeholders to promote inclusive education and support children with disabilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The training program and certificate award ceremony demonstrate the commitment of stakeholders to addressing the needs of children with disabilities and promoting mental health and well-being.
Key points
- The training program aimed to equip caregivers with the necessary skills to provide support to children with disabilities in an inclusive educational setting.
- The program consisted of four months of theoretical training and one month of practical training.
- The certificates awarded to the caregivers recognize their acquisition of knowledge and skills in psychosocial support and mental health for children with disabilities.
