KKV, a comprehensive community health centre in Honolulu, offers daily instructions on how to repair bikes. The initiative – Kalihi Valley Instructional Bike Exchange – addresses young men, many of whom are immigrants, and aims to improve community mental health and social cohesion.
To strengthen their participants’ confidence and sense of identity every session starts with an introduction round in which everyone needs to share their name, home and ancestors. “Anyone who can say these things with confidence has love for themselves — this is mental wellbeing”, explains Jeffrey Acido, an education and training specialist their motivation.
The programme is based on the belief that social connection and physical activity directly link to mental wellbeing.
