Mental Health Ghana Project #68352

After-School Mental Wellness Program

by IMYouth Foundation

Project Report | Jan 29, 2026
From Stigma to Strength: A Story of Transformation Through Mental Wellness Support.

By Alberta Elewosi | Programs Manager

Background and Challenges

Mary is a teenage mother from Ayenyah Village who faced deep-rooted stereotypes and discrimination because of her condition. Many people in the community believed that her life had ended the moment she became pregnant. She was often looked down upon, isolated, and even prevented from taking part in community activities, especially basketball and other sports she once loved.

This constant rejection affected Mary emotionally. Her confidence dropped, her self-esteem was shattered, and she began to withdraw from social life. She felt unworthy and invisible, carrying not only the responsibility of motherhood but also the heavy burden of judgment.

Outcome and Impact

Everything began to change with the introduction of the Mental Wellness Program. Through one-on-one counselling sessions with the community nurse, Mary found a safe space to talk, heal, and rediscover her worth. The encouragement and guidance she received helped her rebuild her confidence and see herself beyond the labels placed on her.

Today, Mary actively participates in the after-school sports program and is gradually reclaiming her passion for basketball. Her smile has returned, and her confidence is growing day by day.
In addition, Impact Youth Foundation supported Mary and her child with food items and clothing, easing some of her immediate needs. She has also been enrolled on a monthly stipend to help support herself and her baby.

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Oct 2, 2025
AFTER SCHOOL MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAM

By Alberta Elewosi | Programs Manager

Program Overview

The After-School Mental Awareness Program was launched in Ayenya Village, located in the Shai Osudoku District of Ghana, to improve the mental health and well-being of children and youth (ages 8–25) in underserved communities. The initiative combines sports, academic support, and mental health education to address the unique developmental needs of participants, equipping them with the resilience and skills needed to thrive.

Current Status

The program currently engages 80 participants who are actively involved in a variety of activities designed to support their physical, academic, and emotional well-being.

1. Sports Training

Weekly training sessions are held in volleyball and rugby, led by experienced coaches. Beyond physical fitness, the sessions integrate mental wellness topics such as teamwork, discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship. Coaches also emphasize safety, warm-up and cool-down routines, and hydration. Equipment remains in use, though some volleyballs need replacement, and the absence of a first aid kit has been identified as a gap to be addressed. Shoes were donated to beneficiaries who use to train barefoot.

2. Homework & Tuition Assistance

Students receive daily after-school support through homework assistance, tutoring, and study skills development. Facilitators place special emphasis on English language comprehension and communication to help students gain confidence in both written and spoken expression. Additional teaching resources such as whiteboard markers and reading materials have been identified as needs for effective facilitation.

3. Mental Health Workshops

Quarterly workshops are facilitated by a trained psychologist to help participants recognize early indicators of mental health challenges and adopt practical strategies for wellness. Topics include building positive relationships, practicing kindness, pursuing knowledge, and seeking professional help when necessary.

4. Counseling Sessions

One-on-one counseling is available for participants facing specific challenges. For example, Mary Bedi expressed feelings of boredom and hopelessness due to unemployment and shared her interest in returning to learn hairdressing. The program is working to support her with pathways for vocational training.

5. Community Nurse Support

A community nurse provides basic medical services in the village and refers cases requiring specialized mental health care. Participants are encouraged to seek timely help when experiencing stress, anxiety, or other challenges.

6. Parent/Guardian Engagement

Workshops and information sessions are held for parents and guardians, building their capacity to recognize signs of mental health concerns, strengthen communication with children, and support overall well-being at home.

Conclusion & Way Forward

The After-School Mental Awareness Program continues to make meaningful progress in promoting holistic youth development in Ayenya Village. Through sports, academic support, and mental health education, the program equips participants with vital life skills, while also supporting parents and the broader community.

The Impact Youth Foundation remains committed to creating resilient, healthy, and empowered young people through this initiative.

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May 16, 2025
AFTER SCHOOL MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAM

By Alberta Elewosi | Programs Manager

Introduction:

Impact Youth Foundation is making significant strides in promoting mental health awareness and ensuring the wellbeing of children and youth in Ayenya Community. This report highlights key activities and achievements over the past four months on Impact Youth Foundation's After School Mental Wellness Program for children and youths in Ayenya Village. We are pleased to report positive developments in our ongoing efforts to empower young people in the community,.

Program Overview: The After School Mental Awaress program was implemented to improve the mental health and well-being of children aged 8-25 in Ayenya Village, an underserved community in the shai Osudoku District of Ghana.This project uses a multi-faceted approach, combining sports, academic support and mental health education to adress the unique needs of children and youth in the community.

Current Status: We are delighted to announce that we are currently engaging 80 participants in this program and the activities they engage in include;

Sports Training: Weekly sports training sessions conducted by experienced coaches. Coaches integrate mental wellness topics into their training, emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, and resilience.
Homework & Tuition Assistance: Daily after-school sessions providing academic support, including homework assistance, tutoring, and study skills development.
Mental Health Workshops: Quarterly workshops was facilitated by a trained psychologist to provide participants information regarding possible indicators of mental health problems and approaches to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and mental well-being. These approaches included cultivating positive relationships, pursuing new knowledge, practicing kindness, and proactively seeking medical care if mental health challenges are suspected.
address specific mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, stress management, and coping with trauma.
Individual Counseling: Weekly one-on-one counseling sessions with the psychologist for children facing specific mental health challenges.
Community Nurse Support: A community nurse has been been assigned to the village to provide basic medical services and refer cases requiring specialized mental health care.
Parent/Guardian Education: Workshops and information session were conducted for parents for parents/guardians on mental health awareness, communication skills, and strategies for supporting their children's well-being.

Impact and Observations: Participants were educated to keep/maintain a healthy lifestyle and relationship and were taken through steps to maintaining a healthy mental well-being.

Conclusion:

This After School Mental Wellness Project offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to addressing the mental health needs of children in Ayenya Village. By combining sports, academic support, and mental health education, this project aims to create a positive and supportive environment that fosters healthy development and empowers children to overcome challenges and thrive.

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