“Fighting Mental Diseases and building resilience in children facing adversity through counseling and psycho-social activities

Goal One.

Counseling Orphans in Vulnerable Communities

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

To achieve the 2030 sustainable development goals, mental health is inevitable. Poor mental health hinders learning which is a major step towards sustainable development. Truamatic events have devastating effect on children’s mental health as it effects can last a lifetime on cognitive , affective and behavioral aspects of children and causing them to suffer anxiety disorders, depression, post traumatic stress disorder and other personality disorders.

Goal Two.

Substance Abuse Education and treatment For Adolescents

Drug addiction is a disease found in every 2 out of 10 youths in Cameroon. Youths due to the high consumption of marijuana, heroine and other narcotics suffer severe health issues which also lead to school drop out, poor academic performance and substance abuse disorders. We work in partnership with the South west psychotherapy group and clinical psychologist to treat addicts using cognitive behavioral therapy, detoxification, motivational interview and multidimensional family therapy.

Prevention programs include skills to resist drugs when offered, strengthen personal commitments against drug use, and increase social competency (e.g., in communications, peer relationships, self efficacy, and assertiveness), in conjunction with reinforcement of attitudes against drug use.

ARTS THERAPY

Healing Trauma in Vulnerable Children

Therapies for children with anxiety disorders and depression

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Expressive arts therapy
Music therapy
Mindfulness and relaxation training,
Psychodrama and psycho-synthesis.

Therapies for adolescents with depression and post traumatic stress disorder

Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Group therapy
Interpersonal Therapy
Therapeutic drawing
Techniques : drawing to express, drawing to distract, drawing manadalas

Therapeutic drawing

PSYCHO-DRAMA( JACOB MORENO’S THEORY)

Psychodrama activities for war-affected children in Cameroon provide a safe and supportive space where children can express painful emotions, fears, and traumatic experiences through role play, storytelling, drama, music, and creative movement. Many children affected by conflict struggle to talk openly about what they have seen or experienced, and psychodrama helps them communicate feelings in a natural and healing way while rebuilding confidence, trust, and emotional stability. Through guided group sessions, children learn positive coping skills, empathy, teamwork, and peaceful ways of handling anger and stress. These activities also help reduce isolation, fear, anxiety, and aggressive behavior by creating opportunities for connection, laughter, and hope.

Techniques include:

Role reversal
soliloquy
doubling
mirroring

Mental Health in Educational setting

In the educational settings, mental health is a crucial aspect in children’s overall well-being and success. schools play a significant role in shaping children mental health and a supportive environment that promotes emotional resilience, reduce stress and enhance positive learning outcome .

key strategies for promoting mental health

Create a safe and supportive environment
Integrate mental health in education
provide access to mental health resources
Encourage social connections
Emphasize self-care and stress management.

School mental Health workshops

Workshops cover topics like

stress management,
emotional intelligence,
anxiety,
self esteem and confidence
Healthy relationships
positive psychology
Psycho-active substances
Self harm & Suicide
Life skills training

Training Community mental healthcare workers

Our community mental health training program equip social workers with skills and counseling theories needed to support children in difficult situation.

Training programs covers the following topics:

Mental health symptoms.

Trauma informed care,

Psychological first aid,

Crisis intervention,

Communication skills,

Research methods / data collection and analysis methods,

Project writing and digital technology in mental health.

Suicide Prevention for Sexually Abused Girls

Suicide prevention in sexually abused girls requires creating safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environments where survivors feel protected, listened to, and valued. Counseling, peer support groups, art therapy, sports, and life skills activities help girls cope with trauma, rebuild confidence, and improve emotional wellbeing.

Early identification of warning signs such as withdrawal, hopelessness, depression, or self-harm is important for timely intervention and support. Communities, schools, and families should work together to reduce stigma, protect survivors from further abuse, and provide access to mental health and child protection services that help girls heal and regain hope for the future.

SPORTS AS A PSYCHO-SOCIAL ACTIVITY FOR DISPLACED CHILDREN IN CAMEROON

Sports play a powerful role in improving mental health, especially for children, teenagers. Physical activities such as football, basketball, athletics and dance, help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing chemicals in the brain called endorphins, which improve mood and emotional wellbeing. Sports also create a sense of belonging and connection, helping young people build friendships, teamwork, confidence, and communication skills.

For teens facing challenges such as trauma, conflict, poverty, bullying, or family problems, sports provide a safe and healthy outlet for emotions. Participating in sports improve self-esteem, discipline, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. It also helps reduce isolation and encourages positive behavior, leadership, and social inclusion.

In Cameroon communities affected by war, sports activities support healing and psychosocial wellbeing by bringing children and youth together in peaceful and supportive environments. Group games, recreational activities, and team competitions help participants feel hopeful, active, and emotionally supported. Sports is an important tool in mental health promotion, youth empowerment, and community peace building.

Football for Peace Tournament in partnership with Rising Hope Sports Academy Germany

The Sports for Peace Tournament for teens in Cameroon was a project designed bring together teens from different communities, cultures, and backgrounds through the power of football to encourage unity, respect, and friendship.

In communities affected by tension, violence, and social division, the project created a safe and joyful space where teenagers learn teamwork, communication, leadership, and peaceful conflict resolution while building trust with one another. The tournament did not only promote physical health and talent development, but also included peace education talks, mentorship sessions, and activities that encouraged inclusion, gender equality, and mutual understanding among participants.

By engaging teens in positive and meaningful activities, the program aimed to reduce violence, strengthen social cohesion, and inspire young people to become ambassadors of peace within their schools and communities.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

ARTS THERAPY WORKBOOK

Welcome to our arts therapy workbook. This guide is a safe space designed to help children explore their inner world, process emotions, and foster healing through the power of creative expression. It is an interactive workbook that involves arts and fun activities.

CHAPTER ONE : DRAWING AND PAINTING

CHAPTER TWO: METAPHORICAL ASSOCIATIVE CARDS

CHAPTER THREE: PSYCHO-THEATRE

CHAPTER FOUR: MUSIC THERAPY

CHAPTER FIVE: EMOTION REGULATION ACTIVITIES

LINK TO THE WORKBOOK ON HEYZINE.COM

,https://heyzine.com/flip-book/fe84619526.html