Date: 2 June 2026
Activity: Faces With Character – Series 1
Partners: Empower Minds Tanzania & Tena Art Therapy
Focus: Mental health awareness, emotional well-being, self-expression and art therapy
Empower Minds Tanzania collaborated with Tena Art Therapy for the first edition of Faces With Character,
an initiative designed to create a safe and supportive environment for meaningful conversations, creativity, emotional expression, and connection.
The session used art as a pathway for participants to explore emotions, personal experiences, and perspectives while encouraging open conversations around mental and emotional well-being.
One of the central themes of the session was the importance of creating spaces where men can speak openly about their experiences and where society is willing to listen. The session also explored how creative expression can support reflection, emotional release, healing, and personal connection.
Key Reflections
The session highlighted three important messages:
* Perfection is a myth — creating a space where people can express themselves without the pressure to be perfect.
* Men need spaces to speak — encouraging healthier conversations around emotions and mental well-being.
* Art can support emotional expression — using creativity as a tool to help people release emotions, reflect, connect, and open up.
Our Collaboration
The collaboration reflects Empower Minds Tanzania’s commitment to exploring innovative and accessible approaches to mental health awareness and emotional well-being.
Working alongside Tena Art Therapy allowed participants to experience a different approach to mental health conversations—one that combines creativity, reflection, connection, and dialogue.
We are grateful to Tena Art Therapy for the collaboration and to all participants who trusted the process and embraced the opportunity to connect through art.
Faces With Character – Series 1 was only the beginning. The collaboration opens the door for future opportunities to use art, conversation, and community engagement to promote healthier approaches to mental and emotional well-being.
Empower Minds Tanzania continues to work toward a Tanzania where mental health conversations are accessible, inclusive, and free from stigma.
