World Mental Health Day: Dignity in Mental Health Event and General Meeting
Date: 10th October 2015
Venue: Latrikunda German Upper Basic School
Time: 4.40 p.m-7.30 p.m.
The event, firstly started with the monthly general meeting. The chairperson of the session, Haddijatou L. Jammeh as well as a member of the chapter, opened the meeting with individual prayers. She went through the agenda for the meeting. This was followed by the review of the minutes of the last meeting and words of encouragement by Demba Kandeh, the National Coordinator, Net Impact the Gambia Chapter. He mentioned that efforts have been made to provide training by Activista-The Gambia. Muctar Jallow, Program coordinator Net Impact the Gambia, provided updates and current status of the Chapter since the last meeting.
Furthermore, Mr Jallow promoted the environmental campaign-tree planting exercise and encouraged members to come up with ideas for activities in their various groups. He stated that he is awaiting a reply regarding the site visit to the clinic for a cleansing Exercise. Sainey Gibba, a Member, advised other members to attend meetings on time. Saiba T. Susso, the programme officer from partner organization, Activista-The Gambia was introduced as the guest speaker by Demba Kandeh. There was a fifteen minute break for prayers.
After prayers, Saiba Susso took up to speak on the topic of volunteerism. He expressed his support and satisfaction with the organization and encouraged members to continue to support the organization and to retain the spirit of volunteerism. Noting that, Volunteerism is key in any sector in the country. The floor was then succeeded by Haddijatou L. Jammeh who opened the World Mental Health Day Event. After a brief introduction of the event, Sainabou Cham, a pre medical student at the University of the Gambia, gave a presentation on the types and causes of mental illnesses.
She emphasized the importance of the event and encouraged others to treat the mentally ill equal to others. She gave an example of a visit she undertook to Tanka Tanka psychiatric hospital. She explained that there, She witnessed patients being abused by relatives and patients and sometimes given drugs by staff and sometimes not as the hospital lack some other medicines. She later involved members in the discussion, asking them to identify causes of mental illness in the Gambia. Drug abuse, lack of parental care, stress caused by family problems and unemployment were identified as the main causes.
Finally, on the event, Saiba T. Susso from Activista-The Gambia also stated the importance of the event. He encouraged people to treat mentally ill people with care and understanding and offer to help them. He gave an example of a mentally ill person that he knows. Then, Demba Kandeh reemphasized earlier stated points and he also spoke about the stigma attached to mental illness and ways that people can improve mental health. Other members contributed to the discussion, emphasizing the importance of the event and the importance of having dialogue on mental health issues as there is much stigma and ignorance towards mental illnesses. Muctar Jallow gave the closing remark and thanked everyone for attending the event. He reiterated the importance of the event and the importance of treating mental illness seriously. He too gave an example of a mentally ill person that he knows.
Haddijatou L. Jammeh closed the meeting before the group photos.