JF Kapnek Zimbabwe’s Post

Topic: Professional Appreciation Note | Public Health | Partnerships | Health Systems | Desired Outcomes | Systems Engineering I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for Karl Werwath and his incredible work in the public health sector. Karl, your recent reflections on the “Proper Walk” for the Makindu Children’s Center are not just a testament to your dedication but also a powerful reminder of the impact that compassion and commitment can have on communities. Your journey with your daughter Katy to Kenya and the profound insights you shared about grace, hope, and gratitude have left a lasting impression on many of us. Your unwavering dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children and the collaborative efforts of your team have been truly remarkable. The Makindu Children's Center is a beacon of hope, and it’s clear that your leadership and vision have played a significant role in fostering a community where these children can thrive. The way you inspire others to see beyond their circumstances and elevate their spirit is truly admirable. Thank you for being such an inspiring leader and for the remarkable work you and your colleagues continue to do in public health. Karl’s story from his recent trip to the Makindu Children's Program’s Center in Kenya is a powerful example of how health systems and partnerships can transform lives. As we reflect on his experiences of grace, hope, and gratitude, it raises an important question: How can we, as a community, continue to support and expand impactful health initiatives that foster resilience and hope in underserved populations? I’d love to hear your thoughts on building sustainable health systems and partnerships that truly make a difference. What are some of the most effective strategies or experiences you've seen in your work? Let’s discuss! #PublicHealth #GlobalHealth #CommunityImpact #HealthSystems #CrossFunctionalTeams #HealthPartnerships #SustainableHealth #GraceAndHope #SocialImpact #LeadershipInAction #TransformingLives #ChildWelfare #Inspiration #MakinduChildrensCenter #Philanthropy #HealthAdvocacy #Volunteerism #Humanity #CommunitySupport #GratitudeInAction #EmpoweringCommunities #HealthcareInnovation #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork

Last day of our Connect synthesis workshop in Tanzania. A mixed bag of reflections from today... 🌟 I'm grateful for the expertise of our partner Tanzania Home Economics Association (TAHEA) . In our qualitative findings, the trust that they have built with young mothers is evident. I'm grateful to have been able to spend three days together: they are the experts in what has worked in the communities, what has not, and why. 🍹 To mix or not to mix? We have experimented with community groups of only young mothers, and others that mix older and younger mothers. Feedback is mixed on which option is preferred by younger mothers: Some young mothers speak highly of the guidance from older mothers in the mixed groups: "Because [older mothers in the groups] are above our age, they gave us guidance and motivation by giving us examples of what happened in the past. For instance, their babies were still young and they were not using family planning methods, which lead to other unexpected pregnancies while they are still young. Therefore, they were telling us to use family planning methods to avoid second pregnancy when the child is still very young." On the other hand: "I worry that if I ask a grown-up question, they would say that I'm acting inappropriately in front of the elders. I don't worry about being judged, but when they talk about topics that mislead us as first-time mothers, they think you're being rude if you disagree.... Since they are adults, they have the advantage of not being challenged." 💖 Many young mothers speak of the power of family planning to help them to meet their goals and plan for their future. From one young mother: "[home visits from a CHW] created a foundation for me and my child to have a healthy life [and] enabled me to engage in other social activities without having worries. For instance, without family planning I would have got another pregnancy while raising my little child, and I would have no space to engage in other economic activities." Day 3 of 3 https://lnkd.in/eDrnCf9K Sarah Elaraby Lilian Kapinga

Question: Malnourishment, scabies, anemia and rickets...which country are we talking about..?? Answer: Ireland..... More and more children are presenting with these illnesses......the reality of child poverty in Ireland in 2024......and to be clear these childhood illnesses are the direct consequences of the State's catastrophic failures in housing and accommodation. Several months ago we organised a briefing session for our staff in Dublin City Community Co-op on how to recognise the signs of malnutrition in children....not because we thought it would be an interesting topic to upskill on but rather because it is a skill we now need to do our jobs. https://lnkd.in/ehNwg55b

Happy new month - April 2024 1st April 2024 This picture was taken during one of the Njeri Maria Foundation in partnership with Dorcas Society Eagle's Wings project. Day two of the outreach and I was so overwhelmed with thought, empathy and responsibility. My team of therapists had seen over 40 children with cerebral Palsy, some we had met before, others newcomers, all with Cerebral Palsy. the need was screaming, the need for something to change ( prevention of Cerebral Palsy) the need for early intervention ( in rural population areas too) the need for support & rehabilitation services affordable, accessible, mostly quality services. the need for safe spaces for mothers and caregivers to tell their stories. but this is look in the picture, is also focus and determination and resilience to advance the lives of children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and their families in Kenya. thoughts on possible funding around awareness, early intervention and rehabilitation, psychosocial support and community based intervention. You can also be part of the outreach and be a friend of Njeri Maria Foundation.

(01/07/2024) [Local Project Welcoming Party With AIESEC in UNS] Hope this will be the start of a great journey for me contributing to society especially to raise awareness about stunting and reducing its cases. Stunting is a growth and development disorder experienced by children due to poor nutrition, recurrent infections, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Stunting early in life, especially in the first 1000 days from conception to age two, has detrimental functional consequences for children, including poor cognition and educational performance, low adult wages, lost productivity, and increased risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases in children. adulthood. In accordance with research data from the 2021-2026 Surakarta Regional Medium Term Development Plan which proves that stunting cases in Surakarta have continued to increase in the last few years until now. The Surakarta City Government has made various efforts such as outreach and providing funds. Therefore, I hope I can help to provide knowledge about stunting to young people and let them spread awareness about this to some of the people of Surakarta about stunting and assist the government in achieving zero stunting in Surakarta.

Empowering orphans is pivotal for sustainable development. By providing access to quality education, healthcare, and emotional support, we can help these vulnerable children overcome their circumstances and build brighter futures. . 📌𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐫𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐬Crucial for achieving sustainable development. 📌𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:Essential for helping orphans overcome their circumstances. 📌𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Necessary to ensure the well-being of orphaned children. 📌𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭Vital for the mental health and development of orphans. 📌𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐃𝐆𝐬:Supporting orphans is in line with Sustainable Development Goals. 📌𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Orphans are often marginalized and need focused support. 📌𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐬' 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬:Leads to the development of healthy, educated, and productive adults. 📌𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬: Important for equipping orphans with essential skills for adulthood. 📌𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:Helps orphans feel included and supported within their communities. 📌𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲:Supporting orphans contributes to a more inclusive and sustainable society. Hashtags: #LeaveNoOneBehind #SDGs #MarginalizedCommunities #FutureLeaders #InvestInYouth #SkillDevelopment #CommunityIntegration #MentalHealthMatters #ChildrensRights #BuildBrightFutures #SocialInclusion #EconomicGrowth #SupportVulnerableChildren

Raising Awareness About Dementia in Rural Zimbabwe: Embracing Ubuntu I recently watched a moving video on YouTube (https://lnkd.in/eZt42ajq) about dementia in rural Zimbabwe, revealing the desperate need for awareness and compassion. Dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour, is largely misunderstood in these areas. Many, like 98-year-old Mbuya Manyoka, are unjustly labelled as witches and live in isolation. Under her niece's care, she often wanders at night, lost and alone. As I contemplate ageing, I am gripped by the fear of developing dementia and facing rejection from my community. This fear underscores an urgent call for us, as a Zimbabwean community, to rise above ignorance and prejudice. We must shine the light of awareness and compassion upon the shadows of misunderstanding that shroud dementia. In the spirit of Ubuntu, let us remember that "I am because we are." Our collective duty is to care for our elders and offer them the respect and dignity they deserve. Together, we can dismantle the generational chains of stigma, replacing them with bonds of understanding and support. We must educate, advocate, and act with the profound realisation that our humanity is intertwined with the humanity of our elders. Let us embrace this mission with the fervour and determination that our elders are worth fighting for. Together, let us forge a future where no one, young or old, is left to suffer in isolation. #DementiaAwareness #Ubuntu #Zimbabwe #ElderCare #EndStigma #CommunitySupport #MentalHealth

The mental and emotional well-being of children and adolescents living in orphanage homes should be our concern! My research article that examined the comparison between the prevalence of anxiety and depression amongst children living in orphanages and those living with their families was published last year. The results, in agreement with several other studies globally, suggested that children raised in orphanage homes are more likely to battle with emotional difficulties than those living with their families. When we consider the potentially traumatizing experiences some of these young ones went through before being admitted to the orphanages in addition to the lack of personal bonds developed between parents and their small group of children, one shouldn’t be surprised at the outcome of these studies. Since then, I have been wondering what can be done as a society (beyond just studying this situation). In my quiet moments, an idea struck me! I would start an initiative! I want to be remembered as the data-psych girl who stood up for the emotional wellbeing of vulnerable children and adolescents in Africa! I would tell you more about the details in the coming days. Would you love to be a part of this remarkable project if I invite you as we go along? #DataDrivenChange #ResearchToAction #DataScienceForSocialGood #EvidenceBasedImpact #ChildrensWellbeing #DataMeetsMentalHealth

Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine the scorching sun beating down, and the struggle to find even necessities. Then, picture a refreshing mango shake bringing a smile to a child's face. That's the magic happening every Sunday at HEAL Society, where I work as the Media and Communication Manager. It's more than just a delicious treat – it's a symbol of hope and care in a community battling poverty and limited healthcare. HEAL Society doesn't just provide medical aid; we believe education empowers the future. That's why we launched the Academy Drive, offering foundational education to break the cycle of poverty. Seeing the resilience and joy in the faces of these families is a constant reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. It's more than just a productive Sunday; it's a chance to witness the power of community and compassion. My fellow Healers have taught me well, didn't they? Jitendra Gaur Vijay Gurjar Shruti Mohta Want to be part of something bigger? Let's connect and see how your skills can contribute to making a real difference in someone's life. Together, we can create a world where healthcare and education are within reach for all. #EmpathyMatters #SocialImpact #CommunitySupport #HealingThroughCommunity #MangoShakeDrive #HEALSociety #DevanshiGajja

Within this important project we address the difficult circumstances faced by Ukrainian large families following the onset of the full-scale war on February 24, 2022. A Family-Type Children’s Home is a distinct family unit formed by the commitment of a couple or an individual to care for a minimum of 5 orphaned children or children without parental care. Presently, there are approximately 1500 family-type children's homes in Ukraine, providing care for over 9000 children. ↘ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: We supply essential goods, household appliances, and furniture to enhance living conditions. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: We provide educational materials, school supplies, and cover expenses for extracurricular activities to support children's educational development. 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀: During crises, we respond to immediate needs by providing generators, charging stations, water purification systems, food, warm clothing, and medicines. 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲: We facilitate access to healthcare by covering medical treatment expenses and supplying necessary medical kits. Family-Type Children’s Homes play a crucial role in fostering a balanced and secure environment for the development of children facing challenging life circumstances. Supporting these families represents an investment in the future of society, as it lays the groundwork for the healthy and joyful growth of the next generation. In 2024, our commitment to supporting Family-Type Children’s Homes remains unwavering. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who shares our dedication to creating a brighter future for children and who lends their support to the “Help for Family-Type Children’s Homes” program. Together, we are paving the way for a better tomorrow. #CenterSocial #CenterSocialOrg #HumanitarianAid #SocialImpact #FutureGenerations