By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
MITOOMA
Teachers and students in Mitooma district have been urged to prioritize mental health and well-being as part of efforts to improve learner’s performance and personal development.
This was revealed during the ongoing LEM Mindfulness and Hope Healing mental health awareness campaigns across schools in southwestern Uganda.
Martin Bakundana, Executive Director of LEM Mindfulness emphasized that self-care does not require money, urging both learners and teachers to practice self-care and exercising for improved well-being.
“Every morning I go jogging, sit somewhere to watch the sunrise, and interact with nature,” he said.
Bakundana also encouraged students to aspire for excellence and maintain big dreams, noting that the mind processes what one focuses on. He urged candidate classes to avoid distractions and focus on their studies in the remaining days of term.
Nyakishojwa HM, Agaba Edward, observed that many students have yet to report back for the third term, suggesting that mental health challenges could be a contributing factor. He commended the organizations for their consistent support, noting that it is “sacrificial” for LEM Mindfulness to keep visiting schools to guide teachers and students on mental well-being.
At a separate outreach at Ruhinda SS, Bakundana clarified that mental health issues should not be equated with madness, or state of insanity. He cited global statistics showing that a life is lost to suicide every 40 seconds and stressed that LEM Mindfulness aims to reduce these numbers.
“Worry at this age may destroy your future because at this stage you cannot change certain circumstances,” he said.
Adella Nomugisha, a mentor and counselor at LEM Mindfulness, advised students to avoid romantic relationships at their age, warning that early involvement can lead to misbehavior at school and home. She encouraged students to thoughtfully assess their challenges, seek help when necessary, and exercise patience regarding sexual relationships.
“You cannot multitask relationships and studies,” Nomugisha said, noting that premature involvement may lead to regrets in the future.
Teachers, Students Speak Out
Lawrence Mucunguzi, Head of Department for Sciences, Sports Science, and Agriculture at Nyakishojwa Secondary School, says LEM Mindfulness’ mental health outreach programs in the school have significantly influenced student behavior and problem-solving skills.
“I have observed a great change in the way our students behave and approach challenges,” Mucunguzi said. “In our local setting, students face numerous difficulties at home and in school. By studying their problems, we are better able to support them and provide accurate guidance.”
He said mental health education are not limited to students, calling on LEM Mindfulness and other organizations on mental wellness to extend such programs to include workplaces.
“Even our administrators and managers face challenges that affect their work. As we learn to handle learners’ issues, we realize that school staff also need guidance,” Mucunguzi said. “They, too, should have sessions where they can be studied psychologically, interact with experts, and find solutions for their own challenges. Sometimes staff face personal or job-related difficulties, and having support from these sessions would be invaluable,” Mucunguzi added.
LEM Mindfulness mental health workshop programs continue to other schools and institutions across the districts of southwest Uganda to promote mental health awareness, self-care, and responsible decision-making among students. The team is scheduled to visit Kashenyi Secondary School in Rukungiri District tomorrow, Thursday, September 25. On Friday, September 26, the outreach will continue at Kabale University and Bishop Ogez Secondary School in Kabale, before concluding at Metropolitan International University in Kisoro on Saturday, September 27.
Ruhinda SSS Head Prefect, Emmanuel Twebaze said the program is critical, especially to learners and teachers involved in toxic relationships and other challenges that might force them into attempting suicide.
“Many students, especially those in relationships, often think life has ended when they break up, and some even consider suicide. This program has encouraged us, and I believe it will help both students and teachers improve their wellbeing and performance.” he said
