The Well-being First Approach: Transforming Development Work

In the world of international development and community health, we often focus on addressing symptoms rather than root causes. At Iyashi Wellness Centre, we've pioneered a different approach—one that puts mental health and wellbeing at the center of all our interventions.

Why Well-being First?

Traditional development approaches often treat mental health as an afterthought, something to address once basic needs are met. But our experience working with vulnerable communities in Kenya has shown us that this approach is fundamentally flawed.

When people are struggling with trauma, anxiety, or depression, they cannot fully engage with other interventions—whether that's nutrition education, skills training, or economic empowerment programs. Mental health challenges create barriers to learning, participation, and sustainable change.

The Three Pillars of Our Approach

1. Integrated & Holistic

We don't separate mental health from physical health, or individual wellbeing from community resilience. Our programs address the whole person within their community context.

2. Community-Based and Participatory

Communities are not passive recipients of our services—they are partners in designing and implementing solutions that work for their specific context and culture.

3. Evidence-Based and Data-Driven

Every intervention is grounded in research and continuously evaluated for effectiveness. We measure what matters and adapt based on evidence.

Real-World Impact

This approach has transformed how we work. In our Dada Connect program, for example, we've seen 40% improvement in maternal mental health outcomes when we address psychological wellbeing alongside nutrition education.

Similarly, Project RISE has demonstrated that when young people's mental health needs are addressed first, their engagement in skills training and economic opportunities increases dramatically.

The Path Forward

The well-being first approach isn't just about mental health—it's about recognizing that human flourishing is the foundation for all sustainable development. When we invest in people's psychological wellbeing, we create the conditions for lasting change.

As we continue to refine and scale this approach, we're committed to sharing our learnings with the broader development community. Because ultimately, transformation happens when we see people not as problems to be solved, but as whole human beings with the capacity for resilience and growth.