By Osimbo Makuku | Project Leader
Hope for a mindset shift lies with the young. This is something we witnessed through our interactions with over two thousand boys, youth, and men over the past few months.
From Mwangi and Otieno (our regulars) to five-year-old newest participants, many embraced their safe space through football, walks, hikes, fishing, and through discussions—spaces where they were able to open up and express their feelings more freely. Through these engagements, we intentionally explored themes around masculinity and men’s mental health, including self-care, while challenging harmful ideas of toxic masculinity. For example, the belief echoed by Musa that “being a man means always being strong and figuring things out on your own” was unpacked and challenged—encouraging healthier, more balanced perspectives that also recognize the strength in seeking support and speaking up.
Our continued partnerships with learning and non-learning institutions, youth resource centres, and shelters have strengthened our efforts to create and amplify mental health awareness within this group.
Consistent conversations around mental health hygiene are beginning to bear fruit. Topics such as self-awareness, addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling, internet use), violence, and other often “taboo” issues are now being discussed more openly and without stigma.
Our young participants bring energy, idealism, and fresh perspectives—key ingredients in driving the behaviour change we hope to see in the narrative around boys’ and men’s mental health.
By Osimbo Makuku | Project Leader
By Osimbo Makuku | Project Leader
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