School Heads Urged to Prioritize Mental Health and Introduce Judo in Schools.
Secondary school heads in Kitui County have been urged to prioritize their mental health and consider introducing Judo in schools to promote student development and overall well-being. This call was made during a three-day workshop held in Mombasa, which brought together school heads from the county. The event aimed to equip them with coping strategies for work-related stress and ways to maintain their mental wellness.
Clinical psychologist Absaki Linda from Alpha Fitness Center Kitui emphasized the immense pressure school heads face from students, parents, and education officials. She observed that although performance metrics such as audits and Key Performance Indicators are often discussed, little attention is given to the personal challenges faced by school leaders.
She pointed out that this pressure, if unmanaged, could lead to burnout and depression. According to Linda, Alpha Fitness Center promotes the holistic well-being of an individual—mind, body, and soul. She emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for teachers to discuss mental health issues, which would help reduce stigma and ease their emotional burden.
Judo as a Tool for Student Growth
The workshop also featured representatives from the Kenya Judo Federation (KJF), who highlighted the benefits of incorporating Judo in school programs. KJF Deputy Secretary General Kennedy Kwithya noted that Judo is not only a martial art but also a means of empowering learners, particularly girls, in light of the increasing cases of gender-based violence.
He stated that the sport, suitable from primary through to university level, aligns well with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and can open up various career opportunities for students. He added that Judo’s popularity has grown due to its inclusion in Olympic events and the participation of the Kenya Defense Forces in both local and international tournaments.
KJF Deputy Treasurer Margaret Musa supported Kwithya’s remarks and described the timing of the Judo school program as ideal, especially with the ongoing CBC transition to senior secondary education. She explained that as students move from grade 9 to 10, incorporating Judo could support cognitive development, enhance intelligence and self-awareness, and help students maintain discipline.
“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.
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According to Musa, involvement in Judo discourages engagement in negative behaviors such as drug use and can also offer scholarship opportunities for dedicated students who excel academically and athletically.
Judo trainee Felis Kivura emphasized that beyond physical training, Judo contributes positively to mental health. He encouraged young people to take up the sport, as it keeps them active and provides opportunities to connect with others.
Pendo Katana, a student from Kilifi County who began practicing Judo in 2018, praised the sport for allowing her to display her talent. She noted that Judo has played a key role in instilling discipline, promoting behavioral change, and providing her with self-defense skills, which are especially important for girls.
School Heads Urged to Prioritize Mental Health and Introduce Judo in Schools.
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