An Open Pilot Trial of an Integrated Trauma Healing and Financial Literacy Program for Climate-Vulnerable Young Mothers in Nairobi's Informal Settlements

This project tests an integrated program that pairs trauma healing with financial literacy for young mothers living in Nairobi's informal settlements, where climate stress, gender-based violence and economic precarity intersect. Working in partnership with Elim Trust, the team uses a participatory action research approach to co-design and adapt a healing circles model, finalize referral pathways for gender-based violence and mental health services, and evaluate changes in mental health, agency, and economic resilience over time. The collaboration spans social work, psychology, and environment and sustainability, and centers community leadership at every phase. Findings will establish preliminary effect sizes and a refined program manual to inform a larger trial and future scale-up.