Aga Khan University spearheads mental health initiative in Tanzanian schools
Dar es Salaam. In an effort to address the often-overlooked mental health needs of Tanzanian students, Aga Khan University (AKU) has taken a pioneering step towards building a culture of mental wellbeing from the grassroots.
On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the university organised a workshop that brought together secondary school students and educators, with a primary focus on promoting mental health awareness and stress management.
A mental health expert and lecturer at AKU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr Stewart Mbelwa, emphasised the critical importance of addressing mental health issues among students, particularly during crucial junctures such as when they are choosing subjects that shape their future careers.
He highlighted the prevalence of stress among students during this period, underscoring the need for counselling services to assist them in managing these challenges effectively.
“At every stage of a student’s life, there are numerous stresses, but this group is often overlooked in terms of safeguarding their mental health,” Dr Mbelwa stated.
“AKU is committed to empowering students at the grassroots level to navigate these challenges and ensure that they do not hinder academic performance or deprive students of their right to education.”
Mental health problems among students have been on the rise, he claimed, yet they often remain sidelined in discussions and initiatives focusing on mental wellness.
Dr Mbelwa stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, particularly in public schools where students from disadvantaged backgrounds face a myriad of challenges ranging from familial issues to socioeconomic hardships.
A teacher from Sega Girls Secondary School in Morogoro region, whose school attended the workshop, Elly Sarakikya, echoed Dr Mbelwa’s sentiments, stressing the need for counsellors in schools to provide adequate support to students facing various adversities.
“If we fail to address the mental health needs of these students and solely focus on academic excellence, we risk nurturing individuals with unresolved trauma and behavioural issues,” Sarakikya emphasised.
A counsellor from Sega School, Ms Grace Msele, underlined the importance of integrating mental health education into the curriculum and ensuring that students have access to adequate support systems within the school environment.
“We must recognise that children’s mental health is intrinsically linked to their academic success and overall well-being,” Ms Mlele affirmed.
Despite the challenges posed by a shortage of counsellors in schools, there is a growing recognition of the need to prioritise students’ mental health needs.
Ms Msele emphasised the value of workshops like the one organised by AKU, which provide schools with valuable insights and resources to support students effectively. This workshop has garnered widespread acclaim from educators and participants alike, underscoring the university’s commitment to driving positive change in Tanzanian schools.
Ms Msele commended the initiative, stating, “We have gained more than we expected from this workshop. We are inspired to prioritise mental health education in our school.”
As the education landscape in Tanzania evolves, there is a pressing need for policymakers and stakeholders to recognise the importance of mental health education in schools.
“By prioritising mental wellness initiatives, schools can create a nurturing environment that supports students’ holistic development and ensures their academic success,” the psychologist further noted.
She said AKU’s initiative to promote mental health awareness and stress management in Tanzanian schools served as a channel for educators, students, and policymakers alike.
“It is imperative that all schools embrace this transformative approach to education, thereby fostering a generation of resilient and empowered individuals who are equipped to thrive in both academic and personal spheres of life.”
