Peponi House is proud to announce its shortlisting for the prestigious TES International School Awards 2025 in the category of Student Mental Health Initiative of the Year. Out of 578 schools from across the globe, Peponi House is the only school in Africa to be recognised in this category. Now in its second year internationally and with a 15-year legacy in the UK, the TES Awards are among the most highly regarded and influential recognitions in global education.

Our nominated initiative, B-Connect – Empowering Boys’ Mental Health, is part of a wider, evidence-based mental health strategy that places pupil voice, emotional literacy, and resilience at the heart of our school culture. Through staff trained to deliver targeted support, often in small group or one-on-one settings, and work closely with pastoral teams and counsellors., peer mentoring, and community partnerships, B-Connect has created safe spaces for boys to explore emotional wellbeing, positive masculinity, and digital habits. The programme has sparked meaningful conversations and increased emotional openness among pupils and staff alike.

Central to our approach is the empowerment of pupils through our Wellbeing Ambassadors and Buddy System, which foster peer support, leadership, and a culture of care. These roles give pupils the opportunity to lead initiatives, model positive behaviours, and support their peers in navigating emotional challenges.

Peponi House also invests deeply in staff development to ensure a sustainable and responsive wellbeing framework. Our team includes trained Youth Mental Health First Aiders (YMHFA), who provide frontline support and guidance, and we are proud to have introduced ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) training for staff. This programme equips educators with the tools to support children in understanding and managing their emotions, building trust, and creating safe spaces for dialogue. In addition, we work closely with external agencies and experts in the field of child and adolescent mental health, ensuring our approach is informed by best practice and current research. These layers of support, internal and external, ensure that we strive that every child is seen, heard, and understood.

We recognise that mental health support must extend beyond the classroom. Our PEP Talks and parent education programmes provide families with practical tools and insights to support their children’s emotional development. A standout initiative supporting the B-Connect programme is our Men’s Breakfast, a dedicated space for fathers and male guardians to engage in open, honest conversations about supporting their sons’ mental health. These sessions help break down cultural barriers, build confidence, and strengthen the role of male figures in nurturing emotional wellbeing. Fathers leave feeling more equipped to connect with their children and support them through emotional challenges.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, developing and embedding initiatives that raise awareness and promote good mental health is not just beneficial, it is essential. Young people face increasing pressures from academic expectations, social dynamics, and digital influences. By fostering emotional resilience, self-awareness, and open dialogue, schools can empower pupils to thrive both in and beyond the classroom. Mental health is foundational to learning, relationships, and personal growth, and must be treated with the same priority as physical health.

Being shortlisted for this international award affirms the impact of our work and strengthens our resolve to continue promoting holistic health and education. It provides a powerful platform to advocate for mental wellbeing not only within Peponi House, but across Nairobi and Kenya. We believe that a commitment to understanding and supporting the whole child, emotionally, socially, and academically, is key to building resilient, compassionate, and capable future citizens.