Training Overview
On July 15th, 2025, Bee Mind Wellness conducted a transformative trauma training session at Jamuhuri Short Term Prison for 40 officers from the Kenya Prisons Service. The session ran from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and was facilitated by Henry Maina, CEO of Bee Mind Wellness.
Training Objectives
The comprehensive trauma training session was designed with four key objectives:
- To raise awareness of trauma and its impact on the heart, mind, and body
- To provide practical tools for emotional wellness and stress management
- To promote open dialogue and safe spaces for healing
- To enhance overall physical and mental wellness through integrated approaches
Training Highlights and Methodology
Psychoeducation on Trauma
The session began with an in-depth exploration of trauma, examining its various stages and the profound emotional effects it can have on individuals. Participants gained valuable insights into how trauma manifests in different ways and learned to recognize its signs and symptoms.
Matters of the Heart
One of the most impactful segments focused on inner healing, emotional openness, and effective communication. Through guided discussions and reflections, officers were encouraged to explore their emotional landscape and develop healthier ways of processing difficult experiences.
Physical Fitness & Movement
Recognizing the connection between physical and mental wellness, the training incorporated guided exercises and taekwondo-based fitness activities. These sessions promoted body awareness and served as effective stress release mechanisms, demonstrating how physical movement can support emotional healing.
Interactive Activities
The training utilized engaging games and breakout reflection sessions to facilitate experiential learning. This interactive approach ensured that participants were actively involved in their learning process, making the experience more meaningful and memorable.
Participant Feedback: Overwhelmingly Positive Response
The training received exceptional feedback from participants, with responses highlighting various aspects of the program's impact:
Educational Impact
"Very insightful… I learnt how to tackle the disease of my heart."
Participants consistently praised the informative and educative nature of the content, noting how it provided them with new perspectives on trauma and healing.
Physical Wellness Benefits
Many officers commented on how the physical exercises helped improve their fitness levels and gain strength, demonstrating the value of integrating physical wellness into mental health training.
Demand for Continuation
"We need more of the same… please find more time for these trainings."
The overwhelming request for additional sessions indicates the high value participants placed on the training content and delivery.
Emotional Growth and Communication
"My takeaway is to open up and have conversations."
Officers reported significant insights about the importance of communication and emotional openness in their personal and professional lives.
Engagement and Delivery Excellence
"Very interactive… the trainer is gifted, may God bless you."
The interactive nature of the training and the facilitator's expertise were consistently highlighted in feedback responses.
Practical Life Application
"Very important in day-to-day life… highly recommended for parents and adults alike."
Participants recognized the broader applicability of the training content beyond their professional roles.
Key Learning Outcomes
The training successfully achieved its objectives, with participants gaining:
- Enhanced understanding of trauma and its effects
- Practical tools for stress management and emotional regulation
- Improved communication skills and emotional openness
- Physical fitness techniques for stress relief
- Appreciation for holistic wellness approaches
Recommendations for Moving Forward
Based on the success of this training and participant feedback, several recommendations have been identified:
Immediate Actions
- Plan follow-up sessions or develop a short-term trauma recovery program
- Incorporate trauma healing modules into existing staff wellness programs
- Consider establishing peer-support structures within the facility
- Continue emotional fitness exercises as part of regular staff activities
Long-term Strategy
- Expand similar training programs to other prison facilities
- Train internal staff to become trauma-informed support persons
- Develop comprehensive wellness policies that include trauma awareness
- Create sustainable support systems for ongoing officer wellness
The Bee Mind Wellness Approach to Institutional Training
This successful training demonstrates our commitment to supporting institutional wellness through:
- Customized training programs tailored to specific organizational needs
- Integration of physical, emotional, and mental wellness approaches
- Interactive and engaging training methodologies
- Focus on practical, applicable skills and tools
- Follow-up support and program sustainability
Conclusion
The trauma training session at Jamuhuri Short Term Prison represents a significant step forward in supporting the mental health and wellness of Kenya Prisons Service officers. The overwhelmingly positive feedback and strong demand for continuation demonstrate the critical need for such programs and their potential for positive impact.
By addressing trauma through a holistic approach that combines psychoeducation, physical wellness, and emotional healing, we can create more resilient and healthy work environments. This training serves as a model for how organizations can prioritize employee wellness and create cultures of support and healing.
Bee Mind Wellness remains committed to expanding these vital programs and supporting institutions in creating trauma-informed, wellness-focused environments that benefit both staff and the communities they serve.