Sports has been identified as a key element to reduce cases of mental health challenges that has led to many young people committing suicide and others engaging in drug abuse.
Speaking during a sporting activity held at the AIC Bible College grounds Monday, Assistant County Commissioner (ACC), Gerry Mtunde, asked youth to engage in sporting activities so that they can remain busy and reduce stress.
Mtunde who represented Narok County Commissioner, Isaac Masinde, observed that many young people suffer in silence because of idleness and in many cases end-up committing crimes that ruin their lives.
“We call upon the society to help the young people live a decent Godly life. Let us speak to them and encourage them to be better people in the society,” said the ACC.
The event organized by the Narok Interfaith Youth Network group, brought on board young people drawn from different religions and ethnic communities.
They held various games that included ball games, athletics, dancing among others, where the winning groups were rewarded after the event.
Narok Interfaith Youth Network Chairperson, Ramadan Shaban, reiterated that they came together to speak to each other, play together as they encourage one another.
“We are playing together as we build a rapport to support one another. We realized that no man is an island of himself, you need others, especially those that face common challenges, so that you can make it in life,” he said.
Ebenezer Israel Church, Narok Branch Bishop, Paul Mbugua, said the religious organizations have a duty to advise young people on how to overcome the challenges they face and lead a good life.
He recalled that they too were advised by their seniors when they were youth, which made them to be responsible people in the society.
Myson Ole Nkuruna, a Poet, who presented his piece on mental health, regretted that speaking about mental health in the society is regarded as a taboo as many people shy-off from disclosing what they are undergoing.
“Many young people opt for drugs because of peer pressure and lack of advice. Today we came together to share our experiences and encourage each other,” said Nkuruna.
The World Health Organization (WHO) commemorates World Mental Health Day on October 10th every year, with this year’s theme being, Making Mental Health and Wellbeing for a global priority.
By Ann Salaton
