Walktober:Step Into Wellness-Every Mile,Every Mind

This October, Stepping Stones International (SSI) turned strides into hope with its Walktober Challenge, inviting participants to walk or run 150 km to spotlight the pressing mental health needs of Botswana's children and youth. Under the inspiring theme, “Step into Wellness: Every Mile, Every Mind,” this campaign emphasized the transformative power of every step in nurturing mental well-being.

With soaring rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among youth in Botswana, the Walktober Challenge rallied support to fund life-saving interventions, offering counselling to over 100 vulnerable children in need.

Walktober 2024 proved the power of a united effort. With participants walking in 18 countries, every step symbolized a commitment to making mental health care accessible for Botswana’s children and youth.

Participation Snapshot

· Total Participants Registered: 200

· Active Participants: 150

· Distance Covered: 18,011.26 kilometres (11,191.68 miles)

That’s equivalent to walking from Cape Town, South Africa, to Cairo, Egypt—and back!

Global Footprint-Participants hailed from 18 countries:

· Africa: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe

· Americas: Canada, Ecuador, Mexico, USA

· Asia: Japan

· Europe: Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland

· Australia

Funds Raised

· Total Raised: BWP 37,030 (USD 2,631.07)

· Contributions via GlobalGiving made up the majority.

The funds have already sparked change by supporting critical mental health supplies and interventions, including art therapy materials to help children express themselves in the healing process, professional training in art therapy, and counseling sessions including the following:

· 10 individual sessions for a vulnerable child.

· 1 family therapy session to rebuild broken bonds.

· 1 specialized trauma counseling session for a child experiencing severe abuse.

· 5 sessions for youth battling depression and anxiety.

· 2 EMDR trauma treatment sessions for severe psychological distress.

Thank You for stepping into wellness with us and making a difference—one mile, one mind at a time. Stay tuned for this year’s challenge.