Emergency Response for 500 Affected by Landslide

Greetings GlobalGiving donor, 

Mountains of Hope has been actively providing psychosocial support to survivors of the Kiteezi landfill tragedy. As we await the necessary funds to secure a tent for more robust counseling sessions, we have organized multiple open-air sessions to address the emotional and psychological needs of the affected community, many of whom are grappling with the immediate trauma of losing loved ones and uncertainty about their future.

Session Overview:
Over the past month, we have conducted Three counseling sessions in an open area of the landfill site. These sessions involved a combination of individual and group counseling, facilitating a safe environment where survivors could share their experiences, express their grief, and receive support from trained counselors.

Key activities included:
Group Discussions: Facilitated dialogues that encouraged survivors to share their stories, fostering a sense of community and collective healing.

Individual Counseling: Private sessions for those seeking one-on-one support, allowing for deeper exploration of trauma and personal coping strategies.

Resource Sharing: Distribution of printed materials covering coping mechanisms, grief management, and information on available aid resources.

Impact:
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with survivors expressing gratitude for the support they received. Many participants reported feeling a greater sense of hope and resilience following the sessions. Key feedback highlights include:
Emotional Relief:Survivors felt a sense of validation and relief in voicing their grief in a supportive environment.
Community Solidarity: Participants expressed that these sessions helped them realize they are not alone in their struggles.
Increased Awareness: Many survivors left with tools and techniques to better manage their emotional pain and support each other.

Challenges:
Holding sessions outdoors has presented challenges, including limited privacy and exposure to weather conditions. The urgency of securing a tent cannot be overstated, as many survivors continue to cope with profound loss, including those still waiting for loved ones whose bodies remain trapped in the rubble.

Next Steps:
In light of the ongoing need, we are actively pursuing fundraising efforts to secure a tent that will provide a safe, private space for continued counseling. We aim to expand our services to include:
Intensive Counseling Programs:Focused sessions for individuals experiencing severe emotional distress.
Family Support Groups:Tailored programs for families who have lost members, offering targeted emotional and logistical support.

Conclusion:
The counseling sessions conducted by Mountains of Hope have proven to be a significant lifeline for the survivors of the Kiteezi landfill disaster. We remain committed to expanding our support and addressing the urgent needs of this vulnerable community, ensuring that no one feels stranded in their grief. We appeal to potential donors to support our mission and help us provide a safe haven for healing during this critical time.