Shine Kenya
In May 2011 we launched the revolutionary new program ‘Shine Kenya’ in 45 primary schools in the Kiandu district. This program is inserted into the school curriculum and run throughout the year in groups. ‘Shine Kenya’ aims to foster the mental, social and physical wellbeing of young people and th
erefore, their community. It teaches students to develop a greater sense of self, resilience, connectedness, leadership, and aims to enable them to live more meaningful and fulfilled lives as positive members of the community.
This program is well researched and tested. It has the potential to be replicated in any school in Africa. To our knowledge, nothing like this has ever been tried in Kenya (or Africa?) so if all goes well the potential is fantastic.
It’s a powerful program which aims to help students develop the skills, understandings, attitudes and strategies to improve mental well being and help them respond positively when faced with challenges. Through games, activities and challenges they learn valuable life skills.
Shine was adapted by ‘Friends of Kiandu’ from materials and training provided by Peer Support Australia.
In 2012 we plan to launch the program in highschools and we will also look at running some programs for adults while in Kiandu that aim to illustrate the relationship between mindset, behavior & lifestyle and how to take control of the governing forces that drive us.