LEVERAGING THE POWER OF PLAY FOR CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH IN MOZAMBIQUE

Visiting Street Child's learning centers in Mozambique's northern province of Cabo Delgado, one is greeted by the sound of laughter, running footsteps and the echoes of play. This is despite the challenging realities for many children and their families. The area has been affected by insurgency and conflict for the past several years, with more than one million people being displaced internally. It’s within this context that we visited Street Child learning centers in the area earlier this year.

Street Child's education programs in Mozambique leverage the power of play to support children's mental health. Our learning centers—based near local elementary schools—provide a safe space where children can engage in play, participate in organized activities, receive therapy support and access educational services. Children of all ages (we met children as young as 2 and up to age 14!) participate in the daily sessions, which can host as many as 200 participants at once.  

Mental health support for conflict-affected children

Growing up in a country in conflict, many of these children have experienced grief, abuse, violence and neglect, leading to isolation and withdrawal. Street Child’s learning center activities play a vital role in helping children socialize and feel comfortable with their peers, and staff deliver mental health messaging in a gentle and accessible manner, ensuring that the centers are welcoming and uplifting environments. Creative approaches, such as using balloons for breathing exercises, help children manage anxiety and panic attacks. 

In every community we visited the centers were bursting with children who were beaming as they played. There were games, dancing, volleyball and skipping competitions. But most of all there was soccer... 

Soccer as a unifying force

Soccer takes center stage in these programs, uniting children of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Structured soccer sessions not only promote physical health but also serve as a platform to discuss important topics and engage children in dialogue. The passion for soccer extends beyond organized sessions – children eagerly start impromptu games with makeshift goalposts and wide-open pitches. This universal language of sport creates a sense of belonging, breaks down barriers and instills a spirit of camaraderie among the children. 

Empowering girls

Children in Mozambique face intense challenges, and girls in particular are disproportionately affected by issues such as early marriage. At one of the centers we heard about girls as young as 11 getting married. Our team must tread carefully in situations like this as it takes time to build relationships and foster healthy discussions on the topic. We take a sensitive and gradual approach to addressing such complex issues, building trust with children, families and communities. After identifying these cases and building relationships, Street Child initiates discussions within the community, advocating for the delay or end of child marriage. Ensuring the safety, education and empowerment of girls is an integral part of Street Child's work in Mozambique. 

Thanks to the support of donors like UNICEF, the FIFA Foundation and the Swedish Postcode Foundation, Street Child can continue to use play and sport as transformative tools in Mozambique. Join us in making a difference by donating today or learning more about our work in the country. Together, we can empower children and foster resilient communities. 

Tom Fitzpatrick is a Senior Programs Funding Manager and Ellen Fitton is Street Child’s East and South Africa Representative. They recently spent time in Mozambique meeting with local partners and experiencing Street Child’s programs in action.