Every year on October 10th, the world comes together to reflect on the importance of mental health. This year’s theme;“Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” resonates deeply with the daily realities of communities across Kilifi County.
At Tuungane CBO, we believe that mental wellbeing goes beyond clinical spaces. It lives in our playgrounds, art studios, beaches, and community fields in the places where people come together to move, create, and connect.
Healing Beyond Hospitals
During the Kilifi County World Mental Health Day event at Buntwani Grounds, Malindi, community members participated in Zumba, art therapy sessions, and interactive discussions. These activities reflected something powerful, that healing can happen anywhere.
Sports and art have a natural ability to release stress, foster connection, and strengthen resilience. A football match isn’t just a game; it’s teamwork, laughter, and shared energy. A painting session isn’t just art; it’s expression, therapy, and storytelling.
The Role of Tuungane CBO in Promoting Mental Wellness
Through our initiatives in sports for development and creative expression, we continue to create safe spaces where young people can:
-
Express emotions freely through movement and creativity.
-
Build confidence and leadership skills.
-
Form positive peer connections that reduce isolation and stigma.
-
Access mentorship and psychosocial support.
In Malindi, Tuungane runs a program that empowers young people through beach soccer, using sport as a tool to promote mental health, teamwork, and social inclusion.
In December 2024, we organized a Beach Soccer Festival through our Proactive Legends Initiative, bringing together youth, local teams, and community members to celebrate the spirit of play, connection, and resilience. The event reminded us that sports are not just about competition — they are about belonging, purpose, and joy.
A Call to Action
Mental health is not a one-day conversation. It’s something we nurture every day — in our schools, homes, and playgrounds. Let’s keep promoting spaces where young people can thrive emotionally, physically, and socially.
Together, we can turn play, art, and community into powerful tools for mental wellness and resilience.