By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
MITOOMA
Hundreds of youths showed up at Nyakishojwa Secondary School for counselling sessions organized by LEM-Mindfulness, a social enterprise which offers counselling and guidance on mental health challenges to students and other youths.
Many Ugandans have been living with dire mental health issues caused by the precedents of the COVID-19 lockdowns such as the economic shutdown, unending schools’ lockdown. One of the key challenges has been strife in the rate of mental illnesses like prolonged stress, depression and anxiety disorders. Students and teachers became victims of the pandemic.
As part of their objectives, LEM Mindfulness started working on a project dubbed Western mental health trip in which they’re visiting schools to extended mental health support to students and staff.
On Thursday 28 September, 2023, the team visited Nyakishojwa Secondary School in Mitooma district and students received mental health support. Speeches from the first speaker to another emphasized on the importance of seeking help and understanding mental health challenges among students.
During one of the sessions with staff, Dr. Bakundana Martin (PhD) reminded teachers to always understand student’s challenges to avoid worsening the situation at hand. He also emphasized that money is not the solution to problems, instead encouraged self-love as the best option during challenging times.
On the other hand, Life coach and mental health specialist, Kasfah Barungi spoke to teachers about being mindful of their partners and colleagues, equating mental health to an engine that needs care and attention. She also told teachers to check out how they relate with their colleagues at work because its the same people mutually related to them who will run to for help when in need.
Thank you @parrotsug . Indeed it was a wonderful day.
Sworn in the new executive 2023/24. Thank you Nyakishojwa!!! https://t.co/prDfNXJ9iD pic.twitter.com/8tUXl6SPv6— MartinB (@MBakundana) September 28, 2023
Students were implored to desist from using and abusing drugs likely to harm their health and to boldly speak up to break silence on things that affect their mental wellbeing .
Okuda Joseph Jimmy, a psychologist exposed learners to different types of stress and encouraged them to seek support from their teachers whenever they are faced with challenges.
He said mental health could create permanent problems that require permanent solutions. He therefore encouraged students to avoid using drugs as a solution to their problems citing that these lead to addiction that may be worse.
As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, LEM Mindfulness helped to establish a mental health club called the LEM Mindfulness club at the school to enable both learners and staff access mental health services.
Speaking at the function, the program administrator, Carolyne Bavuga promised to equip the club with the necessary tools to help students who are struggling with mental health challenges.
A total number of 19 students and 2 teachers were selected to work as the club leaders, patron and advisors.
Relatedly, Nyakishojwa SSS Head teacher, Edward Agaba commended Dr. Bakundana and the LEM Mindfulness team for helping the young generation at his school. He pledged that the school would be changed by the time they come back, having received impactful messages that would help students in their future endeavors.
“Mental health is a crucial issue affecting students and educators, and initiatives like the one introduced by LEM Mindfulness are critical to promoting awareness and support. By providing mental health education and resources, Nyakishojwa Secondary School is better equipped to promote a culture of well-being among its students,” he said.
