Little Kings transform Khayelitsha into a living exhibition for World Mental Health Month

Local non-governmental organisation Little Lions Child Coaching marked World Mental Health Day with the launch of a public art and mental health campaign titled “Reimagining Themba: The Little Kings.”

The initiative was unveiled on Friday, October 10, at the Kuyasa Library in Khayelitsha.

The campaign forms part of a broader initiative to spotlight the urgent mental health crisis facing children across South Africa, especially young boys in under-resourced communities. According to the organisation, children in areas like Khayelitsha may experience up to eight traumatic events annually, a figure that far exceeds the global average.

Yet, boys are often taught to suppress their emotions, discouraging them from seeking the help they desperately need, the organisation said.

Little Lions is using the power of art, storytelling, and community engagement to challenge these norms and foster healing. Founder and CEO Dr Stijn de Leeuw said: “Mental health challenges cannot be solved in isolation. A whole-community response is required."

By working together, through sport, art, storytelling, and open dialogue, he said, "we show children they are not alone. By embedding their portraits into the streets of their own neighbourhoods, we’re sparking conversations not just in galleries or boardrooms, but in the places where they live and grow.”

The portraits of 12 young boy participants in Little Lions’ workshops now adorn public spaces across Khayelitsha, serving as striking reminders that every child has a story worth telling. These portraits will remain on display throughout October, supported by weekly community mental health walks, guided by local coaches trained by Little Lions. 

Zaida Prank, the organisation’s operations manager, shared the impact of Little Lions’ programming. “We work with children aged eight to 13, promoting and preventing mental health challenges before they escalate. Our youth fellowship programme targets young people aged 18 to 25 from Cape Town, Khayelitsha, Mitchell’s Plain, and Manenberg,” she said.

“They complete a 12-week curriculum where they learn about emotional awareness, mental health, and coping mechanisms. These youth then graduate equipped to become advocates for mental well-being in their communities.”

Ms Perk stressed the importance of early intervention and community-based support, noting that many children face daily exposure to violence, poverty, and instability. She called on parents, teachers, and community members to support the initiative and refer children who might benefit. 

“Mental health is a big issue, and our work is about giving children the tools to cope. Our coaches are local heroes, role models who truly understand the challenges these kids face.”

Kuyasa Library’s librarian, Siphephelo Zuma, welcomed the campaign’s launch, encouraging residents to make use of the library’s resources to empower themselves.

“This library has books and materials that explain mental health in accessible ways. We’re proud to host this event and hope more people will sign up and engage with our resources,” he said.