In the last quarter of 2023, the Aga Khan University's Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) launched its inaugural Resilience Training Program, aimed at enhancing mental resilience and emotional intelligence across diverse professional groups within the AKU community. This four-day immersive workshop engaged 400 participants from Kenya, Tanzania, and Pakistan, representing various departments of the university and hospital. Led by experts such as Dr. Pamela Browne, Sakina Taki, Dr. Zahra Haji, and Dr. Kendi Muchungi, the program addressed the specific challenges faced by different professional sectors, providing practical tools and strategies for building resilience, managing stress, and improving overall well-being.
The program covered a wide range of topics, including stress management, transgenerational trauma, depression, substance abuse, pathways to care, and building mental resilience. The focus was on equipping participants, including hospital staff, faculty, medical residents, and university faculty, with crucial skills to cope with the high-stress environments typical of modern professional settings.
The success of the Resilience Training Program highlighted the growing recognition of the importance of mental resilience in challenging professional landscapes. The program not only addressed stress management but also played a vital role in developing emotional intelligence and fostering a culture of support and understanding in both personal and professional settings. Beyond immediate coping mechanisms, the program aimed to provide lifelong tools for individuals to face future challenges and maintain mental and brain health.
While the program achieved significant success, there is room for enhancement, including extending touchpoint sessions and providing clearer explanations of complex concepts. Participant feedback and experiences will contribute to refining future iterations, ensuring an ongoing journey of empowerment and mental resilience. Overall, the Resilience Training Program emerged as a pivotal initiative in fostering a healthier and more resilient workforce within the AKU community. Due to increasing demand, we plan to expand our offering of the Mental Health Resilience Bootcamp more widely across AKU and beyond, in 2024.
