Summary - Positive Mental Health Literacy: Empowering Those Who Support Others, A Certificate Program in Positive Mental Health Literacy

The Certificate in Positive Mental Health Literacy is designed in response to a growing global recognition that mental health awareness is fundamental to overall well-being and academic success. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately half of all mental health conditions—including anxiety and depression—emerge during childhood and adolescence. Today’s young people, particularly Generation Z, are navigating unprecedented social, environmental, and technological changes that have intensified experiences of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. At the same time, this generation’s expressions of anger and rebellion reflect a deep desire for systemic change, justice, and a healthier, more sustainable future.

This certificate program equips educators, social workers, counselors, and psychologists with the knowledge and practical tools to foster positive mental health in diverse learning environments. Through a focus on prevention, early intervention, and resilience-building, participants will learn to identify mental health challenges, support their own and others' emotional well-being, and promote inclusive practices that empower youth to thrive. Grounded in a multidisciplinary framework, the program emphasizes collaboration among teachers and mental health professionals to create educational spaces where young people feel understood, supported, and inspired to transform their emotional energy into growth and engagement.

The Certificate in Positive Mental Health Literacy is a transformative one-year program designed to empower participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools to promote well-being and mental health across diverse communities.

This 3-course,1200-hour certificate will be offered over the period of 1 year. There will be three terms, each comprising approximately 400 hours of study, including classroom learning, readings, assignments, discussions, tests, and classroom applications.

This is a collaborative effort between William James College, an accredited U.S. institution of higher education with a mission to equip learners with the tools to make an immediate impact and lasting difference in diverse communities and organizations, and with a range of populations around the globe; and the Shamiri Institute, a Kenyan nonprofit institute that develops and implements scalable solutions that enable youth to thrive and actualize their potential.

Together, we combine rigorous social science research with deep, contextual understanding of educational and mental healthcare systems to prepare you for real-world impact.

This comprehensive curriculum is designed to meet the Level V certification requirements in Kenya.

Claire Fialkov, Ph.D., is a professor of clinical psychology at William James College, where she specializes in positive psychology. She is a seasoned consultant in the field and co-founder of Appreciative Action Consulting. With a rich background in curriculum development, she has created and evaluated educational programs that have benefited global communities. As the principal investigator and recipient of numerous research grants, she has worked across a wide range of impactful areas, including water resources, women’s empowerment, childhood education, and gender equity. Currently, Claire is collaborating with leading organizations, including the Shamiri Institute in Kenya, Women First International, Community Health Partners, and Procter & Gamble. Her ongoing work focuses on developing a Positive Mental Health Literacy Certificate Program, an innovative collaborative effort between the Shamari Institute and William James College. Passionate about advancing educational practices, Claire intends to develop innovative pedagogical models that integrate emotional and psychological resilience, fostering environments where students can thrive both emotionally and academically.

David Haddad, EdD, is a licensed psychologist and systems therapist with over 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors, including roles as executive, clinical, and training director in community mental health settings. He is a co-founder of Appreciative Action, a consulting practice that has been conducting ongoing research and training in Kenya since 2013, exploring the efficacy of positive psychology and dialogic interventions. Dr. Haddad also brings international experience working with organizations in Russia and Lesotho, providing training in supervision and systemic practice. He is an approved supervisor in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and has published and presented papers and workshops on positive psychology and appreciative supervision at various national and international conferences.

Global Collaboration: Engage with graduate students in psychology, Kenyan educators, and mental health professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Explore the intersections of education, psychology, and social work through evidence-based approaches to promoting well-being in schools and communities.
Focus on Positive Mental Health Literacy: Develop practical skills to identify, understand, and support mental health challenges among children and youth, emphasizing resilience and strengths-based interventions.
Cross-Cultural Perspective: Gain insight into how cultural context shapes mental health awareness and response, with opportunities to exchange ideas and best practices across global settings.
Applied Learning: Participate in interactive workshops, reflective discussions, and case studies designed to translate theory into meaningful practice.