On September 21st, eMentoring Africa hosted a Youth Wellbeing Hike at Karura Forest, bringing together over ten young people, including eMA fellows and other participants. The hike aimed to raise awareness about mental health, a critical issue in today’s world, especially for youth. The goal was to create an open environment where participants could freely discuss mental health challenges and explore ways to manage them.
Before setting off on the hike, the group took a few moments to introduce themselves, followed by some warm-up exercises to prepare for the day’s adventure. The atmosphere was vibrant and encouraging, fostering an immediate sense of camaraderie among the participants.
As the hike progressed, participants naturally grouped up, engaging in meaningful conversations along the trails. The topics ranged from casual banter to more serious discussions, making the journey both reflective and enjoyable.
“I had a great time, enjoyed the nature trail, made new friends, and learned how to handle breakups. I’m anxiously waiting for the next hike!”
Simon
About two hours into the hike, the group gathered in a peaceful, grassy area within Karura Forest to dive deeper into the main purpose of the event—mental health awareness. Ian Chege, a 2024 eMentoring Africa fellow, welcomed everyone and invited them to participate openly in the discussions.
Lilian, eMA’s Digital Communications Lead, kicked off the conversation by asking the group what they understood about mental health. Several participants shared their thoughts, leading to a robust discussion on common signs of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and anger management difficulties.
The discussions were enriched by the diverse experiences and perspectives shared by the participants. When the conversation shifted to coping mechanisms, the group collectively agreed on the importance of seeking help from professionals, talking to friends or family, and finding trusted mentors. The consensus was that having someone to confide in makes navigating emotional struggles much more manageable.
Physical activity as a tool for managing mental health was another key takeaway. Participants noted how engaging in activities like hiking, walking, or exercising can alleviate stress and provide a much-needed break from daily pressures. Many remarked that the hike itself was a perfect example of how nature and physical activity positively impact mental well-being.
As the hike concluded, several participants shared their feedback:
- Simon: “I had a great time, enjoyed the nature trail, made new friends, and learned how to handle breakups. I’m anxiously waiting for the next hike!”
- Karima: “I really enjoyed the hike and the company, as well as the mental health talk. I can’t wait for more fun activities like this.”
- Vanessa: “This was my first time hiking, and I’m glad I did it with such a fun group. The discussions on mental health were enlightening, and I’m looking forward to more activities.”
- Wanjiru: “The mental health talk was awesome and informative. I appreciate eMentoring Africa for planning this event and am excited for future activities.”
- Ian Chege: “Today was amazing reconnecting with nature and friends was refreshing. The talk on mental health was incredibly helpful, and the sense of community we’ve created will go a long way in helping us cope with these issues.”
- Kalanza: “I loved the walk at Karura, and the mental health session was quite insightful. Overall, it was a fun and enlightening experience.”
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants appreciating the open and honest discussions on mental health. The event was not only informative but also an enjoyable way to bond with others while addressing a crucial topic.
In conclusion, the Youth Wellbeing Hike at Karura Forest was a resounding success, blending the benefits of physical exercise with meaningful conversations about mental health. Participants left feeling more informed, supported, and connected, reinforcing the importance of continued dialogue around mental health and well-being.