Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

An online mental health program fostering well-being and support.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The Wellness Oasis Community is an inclusive online mental health program that empowers individuals to create personalized well-being and resilience plans. Through interactive modules, it helps and guides users in coping with challenges, enhancing mental health, and fostering overall wellness through use of tele-counsellling.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The Wellness Oasis Community aims to address the growing need for accessible mental health support. By providing an interactive online program, it serves as a digital sanctuary for mental well-being, through empowering individuals to create personalized well-being and resilience plans, fostering mental health and overall wellness.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Here are three major benefits for using the Wellness Oasis community, an online mental health platform: Access to Information: Wellness Oasis provides valuable resources, including niche wellness tips and specialized health condition insights. Users can access information they might not find elsewhere. Support and Encouragement: By connecting with others online, users receive emotional support, motivation, and accountability. This helps them stay committed to their mental health goals, even during challenging times. Convenience and accessible: The platform’s accessibility allows users to participate in virtual classes, track progress, and engage with others at their convenience. No need for additional meetings or physical locations.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Individuals with Mental Health Concerns: Those individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health challenges. Marginalized groups: We have marginalized groups that cannot be able to attend to or do a physical checkup to a mental health professional, however if it is because of availability, distance or lack of, wellness oasis community comes in handy to assist such vulnerable population. People interested in holistic well-being, including mindfulness. Support Seekers: Individuals looking for emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of community.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-10-30

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

n/a

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshack-mateni-7a9aa913a

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: mental health and psychosocial support

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The Wellness Oasis Community actively contributes to the goal of No Poverty by providing essential online resources and support to vulnerable populations. Through initiatives like online individual and group counseling, vocal advocates to community development programs, we empower individuals to lift themselves out of poverty through skills awareness and sensitization. Additionally, our focus on mental health and well-being helps address poverty holistically, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The Wellness Oasis Community addresses the Zero Hunger goal by educating the public on outreach programs. We refer the vulnerable population to appropriate channels for further assistance. Additionally, we educate communities about promoting balanced diets through our nutritional referrals.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

The Wellness Oasis Community recognizes the vital link between mental health and overall well-being. Our online mental health program fosters good health by: Promoting Resilience: Equipping individuals with coping strategies to navigate life's challenges. Building Connections: Facilitating virtual communities where people can support each other. Enhancing Mental Health Literacy: Educating participants about mental well-being and self-care practices. Through these efforts, we contribute to achieving Good health and well-being by promoting mental wellness and resilience for all.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

The Wellness Oasis Community offers a comprehensive program that provides mental health resources to help students thrive in their education. For online learners, it offers on-demand support from mental health professionals and evidence-based content to improve mental well-being and learning. By addressing students' mental health needs, this program contributes to quality education by promoting emotional well-being, retention, and academic success.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

At Wellness Oasis Community, we aim at addressing Violence and Harmful Practices: Mental health programs can help survivors of gender-based violence cope and heal. The community can also raise awareness about harmful practices like early/forced marriage and female genital mutilation, advocating for their elimination. Education and Empowerment: When mental health is prioritized, girls can attend school, access future employment, and plan for their families. Education contributes to safer communities and empowers women. Advocating for Equitable Norms: The Wellness Oasis Community can challenge gender norms that perpetuate violence against women. It can encourage men to share care work equally, promoting gender equality. Research and Inclusion: Addressing male bias in mental health research ensures that treatments and interventions are effective for both genders. Inclusion of diverse perspectives leading to better outcomes.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

At wellness oasis community we believe in sensitization of Sanitation and Hygiene: The aim is to end open defecation and provide access to adequate hygiene, with special attention to women, girls, and vulnerable populations, especially those in vulnerable positions through use of media and tele-counseling. Support for Developing Countries: Our other aim is to expand international cooperation and capacity-building in water and sanitation-related activities.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Through wellness oasis community we strive to Raise Awareness: Educating my platform’s users about the importance of energy access and its impact on mental health. Highlight how lack of energy can affect well-being, especially in vulnerable communities. Advocate for Policies: We strive to use our platform to advocate for policies that promote clean energy adoption, energy efficiency, and affordability. Encourage governments and organizations to invest in renewable energy infrastructure.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

At wellness oasis community we plan to Collaborate with Governments and NGOs: This Partnership with local governments and non-governmental organizations to create employment opportunities. Participate in job fairs, skill development workshops, and employment initiatives, as we primarily focus on mental health.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

At wellness oasis community we foster Innovation by promoting technological progress and efficient resource use. Innovation drives economic competitiveness and can positively impact the environment.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Wellness Oasis Community promotes social Inclusion: Ensuring that marginalized groups (such as women, children, elderly, and people with disabilities) have equal access to resources, education, and healthcare through tele-counseling.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

At wellness oasis community we ensure safety: This is realized through maintaining patient confidentiality, enhancing urban safety through disaster risk reduction and well-designed infrastructure.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

At wellness oasis community we aim to reduce and eliminate waste: By designing products intelligently, we can minimize waste and pollution. This involves creating products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable. By use of an online platform we cut waste generation by almost 75%.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

At wellness oasis community we call for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The effects of climate changes are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now. Through education, innovation, and adherence to our climate commitments, we can make the necessary changes to protect the planet, evident through our principles at wellness oasis community.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

At wellness oasis community we strongly advocate for Social Well-Being: Coastal areas are home to 13 of the world’s 20 mega cities. Tides, waves, currents, and offshore wind offer potential for low-carbon energy. At Wellness Oasis Community being an online platform is ready to serve each and everyone regardless of locality.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Wellness Oasis Community aligns with these principles, by contributing to fostering awareness, education, and action related to environmental conservation and sustainable practices.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

At wellness oasis community we offer Peaceful Interaction: The platform can encourage respectful communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. It provides a space where members can engage in discussions, share experiences, and learn from one another, contributing to peaceful interactions. Education and Awareness: Wellness Oasis can raise awareness about human rights, social justice, and sustainable development. It may organize webinars, workshops, or campaigns to educate members on relevant issues. Advocacy and Activism: The community can empower its members to advocate for positive change. By promoting awareness of social and environmental challenges, it encourages collective action toward a more just and sustainable world.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

At wellness oasis community we focus on Resource Mobilization: This Encourages fundraising efforts, crowdfunding, and partnerships to secure financial resources for sustainable online mental health initiatives.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

6

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

6

05.08 Justification

At wellness oasis community we envision and embody ourselves to stand out in a crowd. Our research only found that the online mental health platform is very dominant in the west with services less than three in Kenya. It is in light of this that we have set ourselves apart to reach people through our online platform.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Our healthy competitors are Better Help, Regain and Faithful counseling. I believe what makes us stand out is the fact that we offer our services to areas they have not managed to reach out to, in this particular setup, areas in Africa as a region, especially Kenya.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Through wellness oasis community we encourage Networking and Mentorship: Platforms like networking events, conferences, and mentorship programs provide valuable insights and advice for women navigating the entrepreneurial journey.