12/17/2025
This past weekend, at our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—we conducted a Mental Health Awareness Clinic at Al-Walidayn Rescue Center in Kwale County. The center provides temporary care and protection for children rescued from neglect, abandonment, and unsafe home environments. Many of the children arrive carrying experiences that are difficult to process, and the center works to provide a safe space where they can feel heard, supported, and better equipped to manage the challenges of adjusting to life after trauma.
To reinforce this emotional support, we engaged approximately one hundred and fifty children, guided by our interns and supported by psychologists. The children were arranged into three groups—those under thirteen, and older children separated into girls and boys—creating an environment where conversations could be engaging, comfortable, and truly meaningful.
The sessions were highly engaging, with children asking questions about emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, and confusion, and exploring how these feelings show up in their daily lives. Through guided conversations and practical examples, they practiced ways to express themselves, manage conflict, and communicate with caregivers. For many, it was a rare opportunity to speak freely and receive thoughtful responses. For our interns, the clinic provided powerful insight into how emotional support helps children feel heard, understood, and more confident as they navigate life at Al-Walidayn Rescue Center.
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: To ensure the safety, privacy, and protection of the vulnerable individuals at Al-Walidayn Rescue Center, we strictly adhere to IMA's social media policy and refrain from capturing images of the children.
