Saint Dominic Savio Catholic School in Mweke has hosted its first fashion event dedicated to mental health awareness, using fashion, modelling and self-expression to encourage conversations about children's emotional well-being.
The event sought to draw attention to challenges affecting learners, including loss of interest in school, bullying, peer pressure, family difficulties, loneliness and the fear of failure. It also highlighted the need for parents, teachers and society to recognise the emotional struggles children may face as they grow up.
The initiative emphasised that a child's academic performance, discipline or outward behaviour may not always reflect what they are experiencing emotionally. It encouraged adults to listen to children, take their concerns seriously and create environments where they feel safe to express themselves and seek support.
Through fashion and modelling, the school provided a platform for learners to showcase their individuality, build confidence and express themselves.
The event also highlighted the importance of giving children's mental health the same attention as their academic progress, ensuring they feel heard, valued and supported.
A key highlight was the crowning of the school's inaugural Tiny Miss Saint Dominic, Miss Saint Dominic, Most Popular Miss Saint Dominic and King of Saint Dominic.
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The titles recognised the participating learners while celebrating the confidence, personality and self-expression the event sought to nurture.
Among the students recognised were Sascha Murigi of Grade 6, Gloria Linet of Grade 7 and Holiness Mukamburi of Grade 3.
Beyond the runway, the event marked a step towards fostering a school culture that recognises emotional well-being as an essential part of children's growth and development. By bringing mental health conversations into a creative setting, the school sought to encourage openness around issues that children may otherwise find difficult to discuss.
The initiative also highlighted the role parents, teachers and the wider community can play in supporting children through attentive listening, understanding and timely support.
Its central message was that education should extend beyond academic achievement to include nurturing children's emotional well-being.