The Wamatinga Foundation Kenya, founded by Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, has launched Smart Toto Clubs as part of an initiative to promote education and mental wellness among school children.
The event, taking place in Mutitu Primary School in Othaya Constituency, also saw the distribution of fortified porridge flour under the Uji Wa Afya programme.
The Smart Toto Clubs are designed as interactive inclusive educational groups for primary school children.
According to Senator Wamatinga, the clubs aim to nurture a reading culture, encourage responsibility and promote mental health awareness.
“Through Smart Toto Clubs, coordinators educate learners in various focus groups. Activities include fostering a reading culture with book club days, instilling responsibility by having learners adopt and care for fruit seedlings, and motivating them through performance appraisals,” Wamatinga explained, emphasizing that the clubs aim to develop holistic growth in children by encouraging open, child-friendly dialogues on mental health issues.
YOU MAY ALSO READ:
The clubs have already been established in schools across all 30 Wards of Nyeri County. For secondary schools, the initiative has been adopted under the name Smart Teen Clubs, which address the specific challenges faced by teenagers during adolescence by providing age-appropriate activities and discussions.
“The Smart Teen Clubs follow a similar concept to the Smart Toto Clubs but are tailored to meet the needs of older students,” the Senator clarified.
The foundation plans to monitor the progress of the clubs in each school through regular reviews conducted by club coordinators to allow for an assessment of the impact on students, schools and the wider community.
“Let’s work together to demystify the stigma and myths surrounding children’s mental wellness and wellbeing. I extend my thanks to everyone who contributed to the successful launch of this initiative,” Wamatinga said.
By Rodgers Wagura
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
