Kwale’s community wellness fun day reconnecting parents with their children

As the demands of daily life increasingly draw parents away from their children, an important initiative in Kwale County is stepping in to restore these vital connections.

The community wellness fun day organised by the Samba Youth Agenda has emerged as a beacon of hope, bringing together over 1,000 parents and their adolescent children for a day filled with fun, games, and coaching on parenting.

The event, aimed at rekindling affection and strengthening family bonds, underscores the crucial role of positive parenting during a child's formative years.

In today's fast-paced world, many parents find themselves consumed by the pursuit of financial stability, often at the expense of quality time with their children.

As a result, a growing disconnect emerges, particularly during the challenging adolescent years. Children in this age group frequently face intense physiological, social, and emotional changes, which can lead to misinterpretations of their behaviour as rudeness or defiance.

"The community wellness fun day is designed to refocus our love, care, and attention towards our children. We believe that by reconnecting with our children in a supportive environment, we can address issues such as teenage pregnancies and juvenile delinquency, which are often the result of inadequate parental guidance," said Project Officer Mwanaisha Kuania.

The event provided a platform for both parents and children to engage in activities that foster mutual understanding.

Open communication

Through various games and interactive sessions, participants were encouraged to communicate openly and strengthen their relationships. The initiative also included coaching on positive parenting techniques, highlighting the importance of being present and being involved during the critical transition from childhood to adulthood.

Parents participate in a game during the community wellness fun day in Kwale County. (Photo: Mishi Gongo/EV)

"Parents are the first teachers. They must be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to guide their children through these transformative years. Unfortunately, many children turn to peers for information on sensitive topics like sex education, which can lead to risky behaviours," said Kuania.

She said when asked how they found themselves in crime, most children pointed at negligence by their parents.

She added that some children engage in negative actions like drug abuse, crime and sexual activity as a way of seeking attention from their busy parents.

The community wellness fun day has already made significant strides in the Matuga sub-county, with similar events held in Mkokoni and Kombani.

Over 1,000 parents have participated in these activities, with positive feedback highlighting the programme's impact.

Teachers have observed improvements in students whose parents have become more engaged in their education and personal development.

"We have seen a noticeable change in once disruptive students. When parents become more involved, children tend to respond positively, and we see improvements in their behaviour and academic performance," said a local teacher.

Parent neglect

The initiative also addresses the common issue of parental neglect as children reach adulthood.

Participants during the community wellness fun day in Kwale County. (Photo: Mishi Gongo/EV)

Many parents mistakenly believe that once their children turn 18, they no longer need guidance. However, young adults still require support to make responsible life choices.

"Our follow-ups reveal that many parents who previously neglected their children’s education and well-being are now more proactive. They are attending parent-teacher meetings, following up on school progress, and actively seeking assistance for their children," said Kuania.

Parents who have participated in the activities said they now understand their children more and their bonds have strengthened.

"Most of us do not have bonding time with our children. But the fun day has provided an opportunity where we can talk openly and socialise with our children,” said Fatuma Ali.

Kuania said they have different forums to address different challenges facing children, especially adolescents. Other than educating the locals about positive parenting, they also offer mental health training.

"Children also experience mental health issues but most of the time they are ignored. So, our programme also involves mental health training where we educate children about mental health and how to handle their emotions effectively,” she said.

The community wellness fun day is supported by several partners including Grand Challenges Canada, The Green String Network, Kwale Department of Social Services, Talent Management, and various local organisations.

Their collective efforts underscore the importance of mental health and family cohesion in fostering a supportive environment for children.

As this initiative continues to gain momentum, it offers a promising model for other regions grappling with similar challenges.

By focusing on the well-being of both parents and children, the community wellness fun day exemplifies a commitment to nurturing healthier, more connected families