The Challenge

In Kenya, 1.3 million boys and girls between 10 and 19 struggle with mental health. Especially children living in marginalised communities live in a chronic environment of stress, with high levels of violence, abuse and adversity. This environment induces toxic stress, making it difficult for children to regulate their emotions, resulting in impulsive actions and decisions, physical acting out, drug abuse, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

There is a lack of services, such as therapy or counselling, to support children’s ability to deal with stress. Without adequate support, continued exposure to stress can disrupt brain development, affecting learning and impairing decision-making and stress management.This increases the risk of mental health problems, learning problems and behavioural disorders well into adulthood.

Our Model

Our Coaches

We find, train and equip dancers to become Community-Based Dance Coaches who create safe spaces in their community and schools.

In a ChezaCheza session, they guide and teach children how dance can be a tool for expressing their feelings, releasing stress, and building confidence.

Children receive a child-friendly, fun and culturally appropriate mental health service through a weekly therapeutic dance session.

Each session incorporates Dance Movement Therapy, Social-Emotional Learning and Mindfulness Meditation.

Our Classes

The Change

At ChezaCheza, children experience the joy of dancing while flourishing into young adults with strong minds.

They show up in life with self-esteem and high self-awareness and approach life’s challenges with responsible actions.

Our Curriculum

ChezaCheza is different from your typical dance class. We provide weekly therapeutic dance sessions, where children engage in an interactive learning experience where they build essential social and emotional skills, and connect with others.

Express their emotions and build confidence through a structured curriculum that combines Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and mindfulness meditation. Children learn essential social and emotional skills in a one-year program through three progressive modules.

Module 1: Knowing and appreciating oneself

  • Self Awareness
  • Self Esteem
  • Coping with Emotions
  • Stress Management
  • Appreciation

Module 2: Knowing how to interact with others

  • Empathy
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Friendship Formation
  • Respect
  • Listening

Module 3: Responsible decision
making

  • Critical Thinking
  • Creative Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Decision Making
  • Reflection