| As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we wanted to pause and listen directly to the voices that matter most – our students. At the Kibera Girls Soccer Academy, mental health isn’t talked about as something separate from education. It’s connected to feeling safe. Feeling supported. Having trusted adults, friends, meals, sports, music, rest, and hope for the future. We recently asked several KGSA girls what mental health means to them and how they care for themselves during stressful times. Their answers were thoughtful, honest, and deeply inspiring. |
| Fatuma, a sophomore, shared that after difficult days at school, playing netball helps her release stress and feel at ease again.“Mental health means how I take care of myself emotionally, physically, and socially,” she explained. “Playing netball helps me relax and remove all the stress I had during the day.” |
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| Dorothy, a junior, spoke about the importance of friendship, creativity, and trusted teachers. “Playing football, taking photos, using Canva, and reading novels make me happy,” she said. “Whenever I feel stressed, I always have my friends to talk to and sometimes my mom.” For 10th grader Lalety, mental health means “how you feel, how you think, and handle life.” She shared that healthy food, rest, exercise, trusted friends, and supportive teachers all help her feel grounded and safe.  |
| Sophomore Hannah reflected on the importance of rest, music, and encouragement during difficult moments. “I did not know I would join high school, and that was a major problem,” she shared. “But KGSA came in for me, making me believe that every problem has a solution.” |
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| And 11th grader Tabitha reminded us how powerful peer support can be. “When I feel stressed, I focus on music because it calms my mind,” she said. “I also talk to my fellow students because they help me feel supported, understood, and cared for.” Reading their reflections reminded us that mental health support doesn’t always begin with big programs or complicated solutions. Sometimes it begins with something much simpler: A safe school.A caring teacher.A football field or a netball court. A warm meal.A trusted friend.A chance to dream about the future. Thank you for helping create that kind of community for 150 girls in Kibera this year. Because of you, KGSA is not only educating girls; we’re helping them grow into confident, resilient young women who know they are not alone. One of the most beautiful themes in these interviews was how often the girls mentioned turning to each other for support. Community changes mental health outcomes, and you are part of that community, too. |