Over a period of 5 months, instructors from Amani Counselling Centre led participants, which included influential community leaders such as Chiefs, child protection volunteers, and peer mentors involved in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, through a journey of personal and professional development.

Although initially met with a mix of emotions, the training immersed participants in counseling theories, individual and group therapy, as well as peer-to-peer counseling activities, ultimately equipping them to offer essential psychosocial support within their communities.

With the conclusion of the cohort, attention now turns towards reinforcing county structures to effectively address the rising incidents of GBV. The newly certified counselors, now recognized as Level 5 professionals through the Kenya Finland Programme, are ready to disseminate their expertise and raise awareness about the importance of their training for the sake of sustainability. While we anticipate their official graduation, their guiding principle remains: “Change a life, change the world.” Anchored in empowerment, these counselors are prepared to aid individuals in self-discovery and problem-solving. With a dedication to professionalism and integrity, they are ready to deliver vital counseling services to survivors in Kilifi County.