Mental Health: Mind your Mind Social Event

A portrait from the Mind your Mind event. Photo: Stephen Tengo

On 10th February 2021, the Mukuru Salama Centre faction of the Ruben Centre hosted a social event for youth from the Mukuru settlement inside the Ruben Centre main hall. The event, dubbed Mind your mind, united youth from different sections of the Mukuru community in Nairobi, who were moved by the accumulating talks around mental health.

According to the Ministry of Health, 60 percent of the Kenyan population are young people aged 10-24, facing mental health risks associated with human rights violations, violence, substance abuse, sexual, reproductive and gender identity issues, obesity and overweight problems, HIV infections, information communication technology related cyber bullying and changes in socioeconomic and climatic environment.

Young men play pool table at the Mind Your Mind social event. Photo: Stephen Tengo

The social event tore into a variety of activities such as playing darts, checkers, pool table, poetry, music and dance performances. The activities added vibrance to the event as they happened simultaneously, engaging youth groups such as young mothers, young fathers and other young professionals.

The different youth groups remained active during the session as they discussed challenges facing youth, especially youth from informal settlements. Lives of youth from informal settlements are riddled by poverty, a risk of drug abuse and a lack of access to basic services in health and education.

Consequently, the event enabled the youth to network in a bid to foster meaningful relationships which would enable them to grow. The growth of youth is parallel to the advancement of Africa and the world at large. This form of growth being multidimensional by touching on emotional, physical and mental aspects, holds the potential of enriching the youth immensely.

For instance, as the Salama Centre guides the youth towards mental health through a variety of enlightening activities, the Mukuru Employment Agency propels them towards securing employment. This is done by holding career training sessions on job searching, tailoring a resume accordingly and internships at the Ruben Centre.

The Mind your Mind event showcased the willingness of youth to collaborate by uniting for constructive purposes such as education, skills development, fun and games. With resourceful partners, a willing community and a committed centre, youth from informal settlements can be empowered to do more.

Written by Stephen Tengo