Mental Health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.
Research shows that there are high levels of Mental health challenges in Kenya. Pandemics such as HIV/ AIDS and the recent COVID-19 pandemic has left many children as orphans and vulnerable to abuse & neglect.

Some of these challenges become worse when these children start living in Children’s Homes. They start experiencing mental health problems such as depression among other mental illnesses.
Smile Community Centre houses 85 Orphans and Vulnerable children who are likely to experience trauma, emotional neglect, discrimination, low self-esteem, abuse, depression symptoms.

At Smile Community Centre we believe in promoting the Mental health of OVCs through planning for effective interventions for Mental illnesses such as;

Community Awareness Programs – This includes; hosting a mental health screening, Organizing a mental health walk/run, or organising a mental health educational event at a local venue.

Counselling and Therapy sessions – Having a professional Psychologist offers individual and group therapy sessions for the children to address issues such as Stress management, anger management, basic hygiene, low self-esteem, sexual education, attachment issues and also conduct Mental Health Assessment to screen for depression.
Redirecting children to engage in other activities such as sports, gardening, debates etc
Life skills training This includes; communication skills, interpersonal skills, social skills, decision making, critical and creative thinking.

These interventions build Confidence, Resilience, Self esteem and Well- being of the children.
We are thankful for supporters who make it possible to provide vital mental health services to such a population that desperately needs it.

Written by : Edith Wanyonyi

Published by : Peter.W – Admin