The Association for Sustainable Development (Talga) in partnership with the Saudi Scouts Association represented by the Messengers of Peace Commission, hosted an initiative called “I Want to Say Something,” which aimed at promoting effective practices that treat and prevent mental health problems among children.
Studies show that being a member of the scouts or guides during childhood is linked to a lower risk of mental illness.
The initiative seeks to encourage children to develop values embraced by scouts such as community involvement, teamwork, bio-empathy, love for learning and emotional intelligence.
The event was hosted outdoors where workshops were conducted in tents and children enjoyed an authentic scouting ambience.
The workshops focused on raising awareness on mental health and teaching positive skills that are essential for children through arts and a creative approach. Other activities included basic scouting skills like knot tying, celestial navigation as well as outdoor yoga and meditation.
In addition, the initiative aimed to contribute to sustainable development goal (SDG) target 3.4, which focuses on raising awareness on mental health and reducing its risks by 2030, which is essential to raising generations that are positively engaged in their communities and societies.
