Train a Trainer Program
Train a Trainer & Educators Programs
Modern, compassionate capacity building — designed for cultural sensitivity, practical impact, and sustainable change.
Train a Trainer (ToT) Program
Overview
Your Ally Foundation, in partnership with CMC: Foundation for Change, conducted a successful
5-day Train a Trainer (ToT) Program from April 14–18, 2025 at Serena Hotel, Kampala. Upon completion,
84 trainers (33 Ugandans, 8 Kenyans, 44 Zambians) were certified to train others in the
Invitation to Change (ITC) Approach.
Earlier virtual Group Leaders Training cohorts faced challenges: poor connectivity, data constraints, time zone differences,
and lack of in-person engagement. To mitigate this, YAF mobilized an on-ground ToT in Uganda.
Goal & Outcomes
- Empower trainees to become ITC trainers with strong facilitation skills and cultural sensitivity.
- Reduce stigma and care fatigue via compassionate, non-punitive approaches.
- Enable collaborative learning and experience sharing across regions.
Faculty & Guests
ToT trainers included Cordelia Kraus, Dr. Josh King, and Dr. Myers Jarell. The graduation ceremony
was graced by Ministry of Health–Uganda officials including Dr. Olaro (Director of General Services) and
Dr. Hasfa Lukwata (Assistant Commissioner of Mental Health), alongside Parliament representatives.
Sustainability
Certified trainers will cascade knowledge by training care providers in their communities using the ITC Approach —
ensuring scalable, sustainable impact.
Empowering Educators for Student Mental Health
Your Ally Foundation delivered a 9-day intensive Teachers Training in School-Based Mental Health & Substance Use
Interventions at Serena Hotel, Kampala, equipping 112 educators — primary & secondary teachers, administrators,
school counselors, dormitory staff, and teaching assistants — with practical tools to support learners.
Why This Matters
Students spend the majority of their time with educators who often feel under-prepared to respond to mental-health
challenges. This program directly addressed skill gaps and fear through practical, compassionate training.
Key Model Introduced
The MOOD Classroom — a mental-wellness program tailored for primary and secondary students —
providing clear routines and language for emotional regulation and support.
Skills Gained
- Recognize early warning signs for timely intervention.
- Reduce stigma and create safe, supportive school environments.
- Implement compassionate, effective responses to support student well-being.
Impact & Scale
Educators left prepared to act as first responders within schools. This initiative strengthened school communities
in Uganda and is planned for expansion to Zambia and Kenya, addressing similar cross-cutting challenges.
Our Eight Core Values
The foundation for addiction recovery & mental health work across diverse communities.
We use non-stigmatizing language to reduce harm, foster empathy, and build understanding.
We welcome everyone — regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or gender — to access care and community.
We expand resources strategically to meet evolving needs in New England, Uganda, Zambia, and the African diaspora.
We embrace modern, evidence-based approaches for substance use and mental health challenges.
We partner with trusted organizations to share factual, impactful solutions for recovery.
We design cutting-edge, evidence-based programs that move beyond outdated treatment models.
We leverage creative interventions — especially for youth — to deliver holistic, cost-effective care.
We co-create data-informed, culturally congruent care with communities to minimize harm and maximize recovery.