The walk kicked off at Ulinzi Sports Stadium just after dawn, as the stadium gates burst open for our second annual “10k Steps for My Teacher” event. Building on the momentum of last year’s inaugural walk, hundreds of teachers, parents, students, and corporate teams poured onto the track, their footsteps echoing the collective commitment to educator well-being. Colorful banners and cheering marshals lined the route, while a live DJ kept spirits high with uplifting anthems. As we set out together from the stadium grounds, each participant carried the shared purpose of transforming this one morning of solidarity into year-round support for our teachers’ mental health. The energy was palpable—a clear sign that this walk has become more than just an event; it’s a movement.
When Evidence Meets Empathy
KEWOTA designed this walk not just as a symbolic gesture, but as a fundraising engine to build a dedicated Teacher Wellness Centre, a safe space where educators can access counseling, run support groups, and recharge through mindfulness and movement classes. Research tells us that teachers experiencing burnout are 2.6 times more likely to leave the profession within five years; yet, systematic support is rarely available in our schools. As we marched, I thought back to my recent article on the daily mental-health challenges teachers face: the emotional labor of supporting students in crisis, the chronic stress of oversized classes, and the stigma that keeps many of us from seeking help. Each step was a step toward changing that story from a silent struggle to shared solidarity.
Stories from the Road
Along the 10 km route, we engaged in conversations with fellow teachers about how institutional attitudes toward mental health directly shape classroom outcomes. One teacher described how integrating brief, school-wide “wellness breaks” could boost teacher morale and student engagement, while a counselor shared that without clear policies for mental-health leave, many educators simply push through exhaustion, to the detriment of their teaching quality. We discussed examples from schools where dedicated wellness budgets meant teachers could attend workshops on trauma-informed pedagogy, leading to calmer classrooms and measurable improvements in student behavior. Each story told the same truth: when institutions prioritize mental health, everyone in the learning community benefits.
Toward a Wellness Centre
By the time we crossed the finish line, fatigue had given way to elation. Our fundraising thermometer, visible on digital screens along the route, had climbed a little bit from last year’s walk, a step closer to the target for the Teacher Wellness Centre. With every T-shirt and cap purchased, and every corporate sponsorship, we edge closer to a hub that will offer:
- Professional counseling offices staffed by psychologists
- Group therapy and peer-support rooms
- Quiet reflection areas with mindfulness and yoga sessions
- Resource library featuring evidence-based mental-health manuals
Reflecting on Impact
At the finish line, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and anticipation. What began as a one-off mental-health awareness walk has now blossomed into an annual KEWOTA tradition, one that goes far beyond a single morning of footsteps. Each year, our walk brings together educators, parents, students, community leaders, and corporate partners in a united show of support, raising both awareness and essential funds. It’s become a powerful reminder that teacher well-being can’t be a one-day event, but an ongoing commitment. With every stride we take, KEWOTA reaffirms its pledge to build meaningful, sustainable support systems so that every teacher has access to the resources, counseling, and community they need to thrive, not just today, but throughout their entire career.
Join the Journey
If you missed this year’s walk, there’s still time to contribute. Visit www.kewota.co.ke to donate or Every shilling brings us closer to a future where every teacher has access to the mental health care they deserve.
Thank you to KEWOTA for turning evidence into action, and thank you to every step we took together on 25 May 2025. Here’s to healthier teachers, stronger schools, and brighter futures.