Reporter's Diary: Book drive to address boys' mental health

As a volunteer, I have always felt drawn to social issues that directly impact communities, from gender-based violence to climate change, and the persistent gaps in education.

These are not just headlines; they are lived realities for many young people.

When Soma Nawe 254 launched its first initiative of the year, focusing on education and mentorship, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of it.

Soma Nawe 254 is a Kenya-based organization that focuses on mental health advocacy and social change.

Through this initiative, I saw how intentional mentorship and educational support can spark confidence, open conversations, and create hope where uncertainty once existed.

By the time we reached St Benedict High School in Budalangi, Kenya, the atmosphere was palpable. The boys were ready to engage with topics that had been shared beforehand.

After brief introductions, the first session began with a debate on mental health. Two teams took positions on a bold statement: "Physical health is more important than mental health."

What followed was a level of clarity and conviction that challenged assumptions. One side argued that mental health shapes how we think, feel, behave, and respond to life, and in doing so, influences overall wellbeing.

That team won the debate.

For many in the room, it was the first time mental health was being discussed so openly, let alone being debated by the students themselves.

During the session, Joy Garithi, founder of Soma Nawe 254, highlighted the importance of mental health.

"Research shows that at least 63 percent of men experience mental health challenges by the age of 25. By raising awareness and breaking the stigma, we are helping this generation and the next. Empowering men today creates a ripple effect that touches not only their lives but also the lives of those around them, both now and in the future," she said.

Global efforts, led by UNICEF and ActionAid Kenya, urge the Kenyan government to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education by 2030, in line with SDG 4.

The initiative I had the pleasure of being part of aligns with global efforts and goes beyond access to books, encompassing mental wellbeing, mentorship, and life skills. It highlights how community-driven solutions can strengthen educational outcomes in marginalized settings.

The focus soon shifted to drug and substance abuse, an issue disproportionately affecting boys in Kenyan secondary schools.

Research by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), alongside academic studies, indicates that boys are more likely to be exposed to substance use, addiction, and related antisocial behaviors, often at an early age.

These findings underscore the reality that schools are not isolated from the broader social environments in which drugs are readily accessible.

Volunteers grounded the discussion in lived experience by sharing personal stories, giving students a candid account of the consequences of substance abuse.

This approach moved the conversation beyond statistics, helping the boys connect emotionally with the issue and recognize its real-life impact.

The school's deputy principal, Wafula Ouma Livingstone, shared that the challenges boys face extend far beyond academics.

Peer influence has been identified as a major concern, often exposing students to drugs, which are prevalent in the surrounding community.

Communal practices also play a role. Activities such as disco matanga—overnight funeral gatherings common in the area—often keep students away from school for extended periods. In addition, the school's location in a flood-prone region presents recurring disruptions.

The focus group discussions created space for deeper engagement on topics often considered difficult to address in school settings, including sex education, healthy relationships, and career guidance. In these smaller groups, students were encouraged to speak openly and listen to one another without fear of judgment.

It was refreshing to listen to one student, Joshua Ogesa, who painted a picture of how boys his age, who would like to express themselves, have withdrawn from others, making this withdrawal a norm due to perceived shame.

The tailored sessions appeared to encourage the boys, who came out of their shells to express themselves openly.

"I felt corrected," he said, adding that he had made a personal decision to change. He believes the experience will shape his life moving forward.

"With the Soma Nawe 254 initiative, we are deeply committed to sustainability in everything we do," Garithi explained. "Our goal is to create lasting change in the communities we serve."

Book drives, like the one I participated in, create a bridge to reach young minds while establishing a lasting pathway to uplift boys who are battling mental health challenges.

Michael Mdoe, a fellow volunteer, shared that boys often struggle to open up due to societal expectations and the stereotype that men expressing themselves is a sign of weakness.

What I witnessed was the role that friendship—and in this case, guidance—could play in creating safe spaces for young men to be vulnerable without being seen as weak while dealing with their challenges.

Educating boys remains an ongoing challenge that is critical to broader conversations on educational inclusion.

While much attention has focused on supporting girls, boys face unique barriers—from societal pressures around masculinity to limited guidance on emotional and social development—that can hinder their learning and personal growth.

Initiatives that combine access to books, mentorship, and mental health support help address these challenges. They improve literacy and academic confidence, provide guidance through lived experiences, and create safe spaces that reduce stigma.

By intentionally supporting boys today, we not only empower them to thrive academically and socially, but also create a ripple effect that strengthens communities and shapes future generations.

Story by CGTN Africa Assignment Desk editor Tracy Omballa, with assistance from Ongezwa Zibi.