Mombasa: Secondary School Heads in Kitui County have been encouraged to prioritize their mental health and introduce Judo (Martial art) programs to improve student development and well-being. Speaking during a three-day workshop in Mombasa, Clinical Psychologist Absaki Linda from Alpha Fitness Center Kitui acknowledged that School Heads are under a lot of pressure from the students, parents, and education officials.
According to Kenya News Agency, the workshop, attended by School Heads from Kitui County, aims at equipping the school heads with coping mechanisms for work-related stress and strategies for maintaining mental wellness. 'I attended one of their forums and heard them being asked about Key Performance Indicators and auditing, meanwhile, nobody is asking them how things are back at home,' Linda stated during the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) - Kitui Chapter retreat. 'These individuals face immense pressure, which often leads to burnout and depression if not properly managed,' she added.
At Alpha Fitness Center, Linda explained that they believe in the wholeness of an individual: mind, body, and soul. 'We should have safe spaces where teachers can engage in talks on mental issues to reduce stigmatization and the pressure they face,' Linda said.
Representatives from the Kenya Judo Federation (KJF) made a presentation highlighting the benefits of introducing judo in schools. KJF Deputy Secretary General Mr. Kennedy Kwithya stated that Judo is a martial sport that empowers children, helping them to acquire self-defense techniques, especially girls with the increase of Gender violence (GBV) in the country. Kwithya said that Judo can be used from the primary level up to university, leveraging different career paths in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
'We've seen over the years the increase in popularity as the Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF) has been participating in both local and international tournaments. We've also seen a lot of athletes joining Judo, especially because it is an Olympic sport,' he stated.
Margaret Musa, the KJF Deputy Treasurer, echoed Kwithya's sentiments, stating that the Judo school programme has come at the right time for schools under the CBC transition to Senior Secondary Schools. 'This is the right time to integrate Judo as the Grade 9 students transition to Grade 10. Judo has many advantages, it helps the child in brain development, intelligence, self-awareness and how to maintain themselves. Students who participate in Judo shun vices such as drug abuse,' Musa said. She added that Judo also provides opportunities for students to excel, with scholarships being offered to those who work hard, both in school and the sport itself.'
Felis Kivura, a Judo trainee, added that Judo not only gives self-defense skills but also improves the mental well-being of those who practice it. He urged the youth to embrace it as it will keep them engaged and open opportunities for them to interact and meet new people. Pendo Katana, a Judo sports student from Kilifi County, praised the sport for opening opportunities for her to showcase her talent since her debut in 2018. 'The sport instills discipline and helps in behavioral change. And it's also valuable in self-defense as a girl when someone attacks you.'