Activity Report
Location: Other
Activity Date: 11.08.2024
Start Time: 4:00 PM End Time: 3:30 PM
Facilitators: Thomas Ogalo
Number of Participants: 275
Male: 265 Female: 10
Activity Purpose/ Summary:
The Umoja Foundation Boys Camp aimed to provide a safe and supportive environment for adolescent boys from various high schools in Kisumu County to engage in personal development and mental health awareness. The camp sought to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of adolescence, especially when it comes to mental health.
Personnel Input:
As a facilitator representing the Better Me team, I led multiple sessions centered around mental health. The key areas covered included:
1. Defining Mental Health: I introduced mental health as a state of well-being where individuals recognize their potential, manage the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute positively to their communities.
2. Common Mental Health Issues: The sessions highlighted common mental health challenges faced by adolescents, such as anxiety, stress, depression, and low self-esteem.
3. Coping Mechanisms: Together with the boys, we discussed practical ways to manage these mental health issues, such as seeking support from trusted adults, engaging in physical activities, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
4. Peer Support and Sharing: I facilitated open discussions where the boys were encouraged to share their personal experiences with mental health challenges. This allowed them to learn from one another and gain confidence in discussing such issues openly.
Achievements:
– Increased Awareness: The sessions significantly raised awareness among the boys about mental health, helping them understand that their struggles are common and manageable.
– Active Participation: The boys were highly engaged in the discussions, asking insightful questions and offering support to their peers during the sharing sessions.
– Skill Development: Participants learned new coping mechanisms for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues, which they can apply in their daily lives.
– Community Building: The open discussions fostered a sense of community among the boys, encouraging them to support each other beyond the camp. The presence of the caregiver representative helped bridge the gap between the children and their caregivers.
Unanticipated Achievements:
– Alumni Engagement: The participation of alumni in the sessions was a pleasant surprise. Their presence added a valuable perspective as they shared their experiences and coping strategies from their high school days. This peer-to-peer interaction made the sessions more relatable and impactful.
– Parental Involvement: Having representatives from the parents of the boys provided an opportunity to discuss the role of family in supporting adolescent mental health. This led to a broader conversation about the importance of creating a supportive home environment.
Supporting Partners:
Umoja Foundation
Ogande Girls High School
