BREAKING THE SILENCE: Why Children’s Mental Health is Still Ignored in Africa
Nivishe Foundation
Community based mental health interventions, innovations and approaches.
Dear African child, do you feel seen? Do you feel held?
I speak not just to you, but to the ones who shape your world: your parents, your teachers, your elders, your leaders.I speak to not just the current but the grown African child too . Do we, the custodians of your future, truly cherish you? Or have we made you the last in line, burdened with expectations yet starved of understanding? Do we raise you with love or with fear? Do we nurture your dreams, or do we silence them in the name of obedience? Tell me, African child, when you cry, do we listen or do we tell you to be strong? When you ask why, do we answer or do we demand silence?
You are not the lowest in the chain. You are the seed, the roots, the branches, the future. And if we forget to water you with love, how then do we expect you to bloom ?
Nivishe Foundation is joining the global conversation this Children’s Mental Health Week to highlight the urgent need for mental health support for children and adolescents.
Children's Mental Health Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of prioritizing the mental health of children.?
Why Our Children’s Mental Health Matter
The mental health of children and adolescents (0-18 years) is one of the most neglected aspects of healthcare globally. In fact, it is estimated that 10-20% of children worldwide experience some form of poor mental health by the age of 14 (UNICEF, 2021). In Africa, nearly 37 million adolescents (aged 10–19) live with a mental disorder UNICEF. Despite this, mental health services for young people remain significantly underfunded and under prioritized, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention and comprehensive mental health support.
Within the African context, mental health of children and youth can be a complex and multifaceted challenge.This is why a contextual understanding and targeted intervention is very necessary to address this unique population.There exists many cultural, social, and economic layers that impact mental health outcomes, and all these factors must be considered when designing and implementing mental health interventions, developing policies, and providing support systems for children and adolescents. For instance, one in seven adolescents globally experiences a mental disorder, yet over 75% of people in low-income countries, including many in Africa, lack access to proper mental healthcare (WHO, 2022).
As Africans, we often assume that children do not experience mental health challenges, leading us to dismiss their struggles. Culturally, children with learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders for example, have historically been punished rather than understood. If you identify as a 'proper' African, you are likely familiar with the role of physical discipline in 'straightening' children. However, how often do we pause to consider the lasting impact of extreme physical and verbal abuse on the mental health of our children? This lack of awareness and action has contributed to poor mental health outcomes for many children. We must shift this mindset and take child mental health seriously by intentionally creating supportive environments and implementing timely interventions.
Children’s Mental Health Week
As highlighted within the the Africa Union’s youth mental health toolkit , mental healthcare is still unaffordable and inaccessible within many African countries. Children and adolescents are exposed to many other risk factors including poverty, low literacy levels, crime, violence, HIV and AIDS, malaria among other challenges. In addition to this, the number of children and adolescents receiving mental healthcare is extremely low.WHO | Regional Office for Africa
Children’s Mental Health Week was established in response to the growing need to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma around children’s mental health. Research shows that supportive environments and early interventions lead to better long-term mental health outcomes for children and adolescents. Mental health is not a Western concept—it is a universal human right. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 highlights the importance of investing in healthcare systems, yet mental health remains on the periphery of these discussions.
Nivishe’s Commitment to Children’s Mental Health
We are excited to announce that Nivishe will be partnering with the CHEGG FOUNDATION during Students’ Mental Health Week, themed "In It Together," which will take place from February 24th to March 2nd. This year’s theme emphasizes the strength of community in supporting children’s mental health.
Nivishe Foundation currently provides psychosocial support and runs two key programs that support young people aged 9-19:
2. Adolescent Girls and Teen Moms Program?
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The Adolescent Girls Program is designed to provide comprehensive support to pre- and post-puberty girls, where they gain knowledge, skills, and resources needed to navigate the critical transition into adolescence.This includes topics such as :?
The Teen Moms Program takes a holistic approach to empowering young mothers by addressing not just their mental health but also their economic and educational well-being. Recognizing that financial independence is key to breaking cycles of poverty and vulnerability, the program equips participants with employability skills such as tailoring, digital literacy, and financial management, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods.Additionally, the program supports young mothers in rejoining education by providing mentorship, guidance, and linkages to educational institutions, ensuring they have a second chance at academic and career growth.?
Finally , through the Research, Policy and Advocacy department at Nivishe Foundation, we prioritize evidence-based interventions, actively engaging in research that informs our approach and provides valuable insights into children's mental health. We believe policy advocacy is critical especially from populations whose voices are not often accommodated within our policies . For instance,? we are members of the Nairobi Technical Working Committee, where we collaborate with local leaders and policymakers to advocate for meaningful policy change.
Poor mental health among children can have adverse effects on their physical and social well-being ultimately affecting their ability to maximize their full potential .Children’s Mental Health Week plays a crucial role in advocating for the well-being of young people.?
So, African child, we turn to you.
You are not invisible. You are not a burden. You are the heartbeat of our future, the light we cannot afford to dim.This is your invitation, to rise, to speak, to dream boldly. To remind the world that you deserve more than survival; you deserve to achieve your full potential .
And to the guardians of your tomorrow, your parents, educators and leaders, this is our moment to stand together; to raise our children within our communities, just like our ancestors did.?
In line with this year’s theme, "In It Together" let us commit to strengthening the relationships, friendships, and community connections that form the foundation of every child's well-being.
What You Can Do Today:
Join Nivishe Foundation in Championing Children’s Mental Health
Partner with us to expand mental health programs in schools. Support our advocacy efforts by amplifying this message. Donate or volunteer to help us reach more children in need.
The future of Africa depends on the well-being of our children. Every child deserves to grow up in an environment that nurtures their mind, body, and soul. This is our responsibility, and we cannot afford to look away.
Take action today! Visit Nivishe Foundation to learn more, support our work, and be part of the movement for change.
Let’s make mental health a priority for every African child. Because their future—and ours—depends on it.
Happy Children’s Mental Health Week!
By Miriam Ogwel - Research And Grants, Nivishe Foundation
Workplace Mental Wellness Expert | Mental Wellness Policy developer | Clinical Psychologist
3 周Quite accurate, let's keep at it