Global Whole Being Fund Report
Team No Sleep CBO is a sexual minority
refugee-led Community Based Organization formed in 2015 to improve the lives of
LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya.
TNS CBO offers LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers support networks for self-protection, emergency safety and security services, advocating for improved access to quality health services, including mental health, improving the livelihoods of individual community members, empowering its members through human rights education and training programs to enhance their awareness to their rights and the resettlement procedures and processes. Our recent project where we partnered with ORAM to offer digital skills in freelancing and Digital marketing has created hope for our members to earn from home. We have also partnered with different Organizations to strengthen our referral systems which in return has improved service delivery.
The LGBTIQ refugee community especially
those from Uganda has increased since the passing of the anti-homosexuality
bill in Uganda in 2023 despite the
enforcement of an encampment policy and slow registration process in Urban of Kenya and Kakuma refugee camp.
A flawed resettlement process allows Human rights abuse presenting as stigma and discrimination for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities Expression (SOGIE) groups. The refugee groups have cropped up in Nairobi for fear of being taken to the camp and exists as “Urban Refugees”.
Objectives Include:
· Ensure the smooth
learning of the organization which will enable us to sustain the Team No Sleep
this will achieved through expansion of the livelihoods and administrative
support.
· Improved safety and security in the LGBTQ refugee community
· Improve the
skills of LGBTQ refugees through the digital trainings.
· Mental wellbeing of queer refugees in Nairobi and its environs
·
Improve
the health condition LGBTQ refugees as well as reduce the spread of HIV and
AIDs in the country.
15 Queer refugees successfully trained in Digital skills and supported to create job profiles to bid competitively for online work.
4 mental health sessions that reached 45 LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers.
Timely response to medical emergencies in the community. Boosted the access to health services in the refugee community.
Food relief reaching 50 individuals ensuring access to food and hygiene products like soap and sanitary towels.
Adequate security briefings in the community creating awareness and promoting human rights in the community
4 HIV awareness and outreach sessions promoting knowledge on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights, safe practices etc
Expansion of the chicken rearing project and salon to stimulate income generation
Team Building and Debrief session for Team No Sleep Staff. Fostering team work and morale to continue working in the community.
Challenges and how they were
overcome or support needed.
•
Time Constraints: Scheduled
activities to accommodate staff availability without disrupting ongoing
operations. We indicated such activities on the organizations calendar to
enable all staff members to attend.
•
Cultural Barriers: Some
participants initially hesitated to discuss sensitive topics in some sessions.
This was addressed by creating a judgment-free atmosphere and using culturally
appropriate communication.
•
Limited Access to Services: The
community members expressed a challenge of limited access to services. The team
provided referrals to LGBTQ+-friendly clinics and testing centers to bridge
gaps in service availability.
•
Some of the units offered to
participants in the online freelancing require a bit more time to practice and
perfect. We encouraged the trainees to continue coming to the digital learning
enter to practice and gain confidence and experience.
•
Increased food prices: The prices
of the food items were very high which limited us from purchase different food
products. We addressed this purchase only the most need products.
•
During the mental health
sessions, we noticed that some member required privacy in order to deal with
their issues. We therapists conducted individual sessions. This approach
ensured that sensitive issues could be addressed confidentially, without fear
of repercussions.
•
Limited funds to carryout
activities in the organization. We addressed this by collaborating with organizations
and agencies for referrals.