Occupational Therapy for Mental Health in Malawi

I am not an adventurous person but a year ago, having retired from the NHS, I went out to Malawi to teach psychiatry to the medical undergraduates. In the past year I have spent three months in Malawi and much of that time at Zomba Mental Hospital which is the only government mental hospital in the country. With barely any medical resource, no psychology or social work and an occupational therapy (OT) department without a trained OT, the hospital nevertheless manages to look after around 250 people with severe psychotic illnesses, postpartum psychosis and severe depression. It is impressive and humbling. One of the most impressive aspects of the hospital is the OT department which was set up by Mr Nkosi who retired 2 years ago. Since then John Konje has taken over as head of department but he is untrained and desperate to become qualified and learn more.
I know from long experience the burden that mental illness places on people and their families and, whilst medicines can improve symptoms, having a meaningful life and meaningful activity is equally important and multidisciplinary team working gives people the best chance of recovery staying well.

There is no way John could raise money for his training and so I want to raise the funds for his training in Zambia (there is no occupational therapy training in Malawi) and this is the start of my fundraising. If 50 people give £10 a month for 4 years that would pay for his training and the beginning of a new era of therapeutic interventions in Malawi, the warm heart of Africa.
Any contributions will be very welcome.