The Inner Lion Programme.
Community-rooted mental health support for children aged 8–13.
The Inner Lion Programme is Little Lions Child Coaching’s flagship mental health programme for children aged 8–13.
It is a 12-session, evidence-based programme that helps children build emotional awareness, confidence, coping skills and resilience through practical, engaging activities.
Delivered by trained facilitators, the programme is designed to fit into existing child and youth programmes.
What is the Inner Lion Programme?
The Inner Lion Programme is a 12-session, evidence-based mental health programme designed for children aged 8–13.
Through games, movement, mindfulness, storytelling, guided discussion, creative expression and practical emotional tools, children are supported to build emotional awareness, confidence, coping skills and resilience.
Delivered by trained facilitators, the programme is designed to integrate into existing child and youth programmes.
Why early mental health matters
Between the ages of 8 and 13, children develop many of the emotional skills that shape how they understand themselves, build relationships, respond to challenges and navigate the world around them.
For many children, these years are also marked by adversity and limited access to mental health support.
50%
of mental health conditions begin before age 14
1 in 7
children and adolescents globally experience a mental health condition
Less than 10%
of South African children who require mental health services are estimated to receive appropriate care
Why prevention matters
Too often, mental health support is only available once a child reaches crisis point.
The Inner Lion Programme focuses on prevention by helping children develop emotional awareness, healthy coping skills, confidence and resilience before challenges become more complex.
When children have access to trusted adults, emotionally safe spaces and practical tools, they are better equipped to thrive at home, at school and within their communities.
The four pillars of the Inner Lion Programme
The programme is built around four core pillars:
Emotional awareness
Helping children recognise and express emotions in healthy ways.
Qualities and identity
Helping children recognise their strengths and build confidence.
Coping skills
Teaching practical tools such as breathing, grounding and communication.
Resilience
Helping children build confidence and problem-solving skills when facing challenges.
Who can partner with Little Lions?
The programme is designed for organisations already working with children, including:
Schools
NGOs
Sports programmes
Youth development initiatives
Community based organisations
Child focused programmes
Faith based or local community groups
Partner organisations do not need to be mental health organisations. Little Lions equips trusted local facilitators, educators, coaches, mentors and community role models to deliver the programme.
How partnership works
Becoming an Inner Lion implementation partner is a collaborative process designed to ensure your organisation feels confident and supported.
The partnership journey includes:
- Introduction and alignment
- Pilot phase
- Facilitator training
- Programme delivery
- Reflection, learning and impact support
What partners receive
Partner organisations receive support to help them implement the Inner Lion Programme with quality and confidence.
Facilitator training
Programme manuals and session materials
Worksheets, activities and practical tools
Implementation guidance
Impact measurement support
Ongoing check-ins and learning spaces
Support with contextual adaptation where needed
Evidence and impact
Partners continue to report meaningful shifts in children’s emotional awareness, confidence, belonging and ability to use practical coping tools.
791 children reached
104 local role models trained
568 parents and community members reached
12 active implementation partners
Inner Lion Programme in South Africa
In South Africa, the Inner Lion Programme is implemented through schools, NGOs, sports programmes and community organisations working with children in under-resourced communities.
For South Africa partnership enquiries:
[email protected]
Want the full details?
Download the South Africa Inner Lion Programme brochure.
Inner Lion Programme in Kenya
In Kenya, the programme is delivered through a partner-led model focused on local ownership, trusted community relationships and sustainable implementation.
For Kenya partnership enquiries:
[email protected]
Want the full details?
Download the Kenya Inner Lion Programme brochure.
Become an Inner Lion Partner
Every child deserves access to emotionally supportive spaces, trusted role models and practical mental health tools.
Partner with Little Lions to help bring preventative mental health support closer to the children and communities you serve.
Reach
children
Train
role models
Establish