ABOUT CMHFA
Empowering Communities. Saving Lives. Building Resilience.
We train community first responders in mental health, emergency care, and preventative health.
WHO WE ARE
The Community Mental Health & First Aid (CMHFA) Program is an initiative of Apostolic Voice Education Trust (AVET), a faith-based nonprofit organization committed to transforming communities across Africa through education, leadership, and empowerment.CMHFA was established to respond to a critical need within communities—the lack of accessible mental health support, emergency response skills, and preventative health knowledge at the grassroots level.We exist to equip individuals with practical skills that enable them to support others, respond to crises, and promote healthier communities.
Our Vision
To build resilient, informed, and compassionate communities where individuals are equipped to respond to mental health challenges, provide basic emergency care, and promote holistic wellbeing.
Our Mission
To train and empower community members with mental health awareness, psychological first aid, emergency response skills, and preventative health knowledge, creating a network of capable first responders who strengthen community wellbeing.
Our Story
Across many African communities, preventable health challenges continue to affect individuals and families due to limited awareness, stigma surrounding mental health, and delayed access to professional care.
The CMHFA Program was developed as a practical, scalable solution to this challenge.
Rather than relying solely on external interventions, the program focuses on building internal community capacity—training local individuals to act as the first line of support within their homes, schools, churches, and neighborhoods.
Through this approach, CMHFA is not just a training program—it is a movement of community transformation.
What We Do
We train community members to become First Responders in Mental Health and Basic Emergency Care.
Our program provides:
- Mental health awareness and early identification skills
- Psychological First Aid (PFA)
- Basic medical first aid training
- Nutrition and hygiene education
- Community leadership and outreach training
Participants are equipped not only with knowledge, but also with the confidence and responsibility to serve their communities.
Our Training Approach
The CMHFA program is delivered through a structured three-level system:
Level One – Foundation
Introduces participants to mental health awareness, first aid, hygiene, and basic community response skills.
Level Two – Intermediate
Focuses on practical application, community outreach, and leadership development.
Level Three – Advanced
Develops professional-level community health leaders, trainers, and program coordinators.
Our training is delivered through a hybrid model, combining:
- Community-based workshops
- Online learning and webinars
- Practical field experience
- Mentorship from experienced facilitators
Our Impact
Through CMHFA, we aim to:
- Train community first responders across multiple regions
- Reduce stigma around mental health
- Improve early response to emergencies
- Strengthen community-based support systems
- Empower youth and local leaders to drive change
Our long-term vision is to create a sustainable network of trained responders who can support communities across Zambia and Africa.
Our Values
- Compassion: Serving communities with care and dignity
- Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and accountability
- Empowerment: Equipping individuals with practical skills
- Collaboration: Working with communities and partners
- Excellence: Delivering high-quality training and programs
Our Commitment
We are committed to building a program that is:
- Community-driven
- Scalable and sustainable
- Aligned with both local needs and global best practices
Through CMHFA, we believe that every community can be equipped to respond, support, and thrive.
About AVET
The Apostolic Voice Education Trust (AVET) is a faith-based organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through Christ-centered education, leadership development, and community transformation initiatives.
CMHFA is part of AVET’s broader mission to raise Kingdom-minded leaders and reformers who create lasting impact in society.
Get Involved
Be part of the movement to transform communities.