Keep at-risk children dancing and fed in Kenya

Dear ChezaCheza supporter,

Last month was mental health awareness month, and we want to continue to highlight the importance of mental health. More children and youth are experiencing depression, stress, anxiety and we even see rising numbers of suicide in Kenya. Especially children living in the communities we work in experience a multitude of challenges that lead to stress, anxiety, drug abuse and violent behaviour. Growing here up is tough, but growing up without the resources and support you need is even tougher.

At ChezaCheza, we support emotional well-being through dance therapeutic methods in our classes. We do an emotional check-in, practice meditation & mindfulness, and stimulate self-expression through dance. Some children need additional, more intensive mental health supports and therefore we have an absolute amazing counsellor named Joyce (see picture). She has been working with us for almost 2 years and we are grateful for the emotional support and guidance she gives. She has an office at our centre, which means children can drop in to have a chat, ask for advice or have a full counselling session with her. 

Let's continue to raise awareness for mental health and remove the stigma of therapy and 'asking for help' in our communities. Taking care of your mental health is so important and can benefit every area of your life. So let's talk more, listen more and show empathy to those around us. And remember, it's ok not to be ok :)

Links:

• Website
• What we do