Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GRASSROOT Soccer (GRS) and a local TV station have announced a groundbreaking partnership to promote mental health and wellness among adolescents in Zimbabwe.
GRS an adolescent health organisation, uses the power of football to equip young people with life-saving information, services, and mentorship, empowering them to lead healthy lives.
The innovative partnership is part of GRS’s broader initiative to promote mental well-being through media, operating under the theme Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC).
Blessed Gumbi, the GRS SBCC and Training Manager said: “This programme offers a novel approach to engaging young people, complementing our existing in-person initiatives in schools and communities across Bulawayo and Harare.
“By collaborating with a local television media house, we aim to amplify critical conversations surrounding mental health, fostering an environment where young people feel empowered to openly address their challenges. The campaign also seeks to promote parent-to-child communication, ensuring that young people receive comprehensive support regarding their mental health and well-being.
The MindSKILLZ programme primarily targets 10-19 year-old adolescents and the media initiative is designed to benefit all young people. Families can watch the shows together on television, promoting a shared understanding of mental health,” said Gumbi.
As part of the partnership, GRS podcasts will be aired on KeYona TV. These podcasts feature MindSKILLZ coaches, near-peer mentors who facilitate GRS programmes and serve as community role models.
The coaches share personal anecdotes about overcoming mental health challenges, drawing on lessons from the MindSKILLZ programme.
Nonhlanha Nkala, KeYona TV’s programmes manager, expressed her confidence for GRS’s innovative approach to sports for health programming.
“We are delighted to partner with a youth-focused organisation, as we aim to develop programmes that are informative, educative, and entertaining for young people. I am confident that this collaboration will contribute significantly to addressing mental health challenges.
“Nyathi highlighted the effectiveness of using soccer language and activities to capture the attention of young people.
“We are conceptualising a game show that combines these ideas to address mental health challenges,” she added.
