By Jeldau Rieff | Quality Assurance Director
In the month of October 2023, Stepping Stones International organised the “Walktober Challenge Botswana”. Stepping Stones International invited people from Botswana and all over the world to unite and walk together for mental health in Botswana.
People were made enthusiastic to join the challenge through a recruitment video, whereby the issues around mental health in Botswana were shared. Additionally, the importance and benefits of walking for a healthy body and mind were emphasized in combatting mental health issues.
A social media campaign on Facebook focused on creating awareness on the importance of mental health and seeking assistance for mental health issues. It also encouraged people to . Through a whatsapp group, all participants across the globe shared their experiences and motivated each other to complete the challenge. One participant collected trash during her walks and inspired others to join. A lot of positive feedback was given by Walktober participants, sharing how it helped them commit to daily exercising and healthy lifestyles.
We are proud to share the project’s achievements:
- 124 people from 9 countries in 4 continents joined (Africa, Europe, North and South-America)
- Together we walked 7,887 kms, which covers the distance from Cape to Cairo.
- A total amount €1,630 was raised, that is used for training of 3 mental health professionals, art & drama materials, and actual counselling sessions for youth.
- The Facebook campaign to raise awareness on mental health and Walktober reached 9,206 people.
Because of the successful event in 2023, a new Walktober challenge is planned for October 2024. Hope to see you then!
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