On Friday 12^th August 2025, Neema Children’s Home in Mombasa held an inspiring mentorship session facilitated by the Kenya Society of Care leavers (KESCA) in partnership with LVCT Health Organization, Mombasa.

Where the vibrant energy of youth meets the challenges of growing up, mental health remains a crucial concern. Recent statistics reveal that about 14% of children aged 10 to 14 in Kenya face significant mental health challenges, underscoring the urgent need for early and targeted interventions.

To respond to this need, the session introduced MindSKILLZ — a comprehensive toolkit launched by Grassroot Soccer (GRS) in 2022. This innovative program is designed to build young people’s mental health knowledge and coping skills, focusing on:

• Mental health awareness
• Substance use education
• Coping mechanisms
• Self-esteem development
• Social connections
• Creating safe spaces
• Access to mental health care

As part of the mentorship, the children received the MindSKILLZ Magazine, a youth-friendly resource filled with colorful illustrations, real-life stories, and practical exercises. It breaks down complex mental health concepts into simple, relatable lessons, while also offering coping strategies and tips for positive decision-making. Beyond the session, the magazine now serves as a reference guide for the children, helping them reinforce what they learned and even share insights with their peers.

The session was not only educational but also fun. The children actively participated, engaging in discussions, activities, and games. Their laughter and enthusiasm filled the home as they gained valuable life skills. At the end of the day, they expressed gratitude and excitement — and even requested the team to return for more sessions in the future.

This mentorship highlighted how important it is to create safe, supportive spaces where young people can learn, express themselves, and grow. At Neema Children’s Home, the seeds of resilience and hope are being planted — and with continued partnerships like these, the future looks brighter for every child.