Stepping Stones International's Walktober Challenge 2023 kicks off 'mindset motivation', fundraising for the mental health of vulnerable children and youth in Botswana. Many youth face psychological problems that are left untreated. With the money raised, we will ensure that at least 100 children and youth suffering from depression, suicide ideation, anxiety, or trauma receive specialised counseling. Mental health professionals will also receive counseling training.
Many children and youth in Botswana grow up in challenging situations. Youth from vulnerable families run a high risk of experiencing sexual, physical or emotional abuse. Botswana is the country with the first highest rape per capita in the world and has one of the highest HIV infection rates among youth. Despite Botswana's youth being resilient, the rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide are concerningly high. There is a shortage of skilled therapists and counselors in Botswana.
Motivating young people to seek counselling and change the mindset to healthy mental health is the goal. SSI provides counseling services for vulnerable chidlren/youth or refers to partner psychologists for specialized counseling services, such as for complex trauma, sexual violence, severe depression, anxiety disorders, addiction, or rehabilitation. SSI will provide counseling services to include cognitive-behavioral therapy, group counseling, art & drama therapy, and EMDR trauma treatment.
Helping youth overcome their psychological problems improves their quality of life drastically and allows them to seek opportunities. Enabling them to heal from wounds allows them to live their lives to their fullest potential. Evidence shows that successful treatment improves their school performance, prevents them from dropping out of school, turns them away from substance abuse, and breaks both intergenerational cycles of violence and cycles of teenage pregnancy.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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