City Schools Partner With NGOs to Train Teachers in Child Psychology

As part of a growing emphasis on holistic education, city schools in Nairobi began collaborating with non-governmental organizations in June and July 2025 to offer specialized training in child psychology for teachers. These partnerships were designed to equip educators with the skills to identify emotional and behavioral challenges among learners, foster inclusive classrooms, and support mental health through age-appropriate interventions. The initiative aligns with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which emphasizes learner well-being alongside academic achievement.
Participating NGOs included Childline Kenya, Kesho Kenya, and Africa Mental Health Foundation, which provided workshops, digital modules, and in-school mentorship programs. Training topics ranged from trauma-informed teaching and emotional regulation to developmental milestones and classroom counseling strategies. Teachers from both public and private schools in Nairobi’s Eastlands, Westlands, and Lang’ata regions reported increased confidence in handling sensitive learner issues and promoting positive behavior. We’re learning to see beyond academics—to understand the whole child, said a teacher from a participating school in Embakasi.
The program also received support from Nairobi County’s education office, which encouraged schools to integrate psychosocial support into their daily routines. Some schools have since established peer counseling clubs, wellness corners, and referral systems for learners needing professional help. Education stakeholders praised the initiative for addressing rising concerns over student anxiety, absenteeism, and classroom disruptions. With plans to expand the training to ECDE centers and junior secondary schools, the partnership is seen as a model for embedding mental health awareness into Kenya’s education system.