Enhancing Mental Health Literacy in Schools

The mental health literacy project at Mashujaa Secondary School significantly enhanced the mental well-being of its students and staff through a series of targeted interventions. Central to the project’s success was the training of 40 teachers and 14 students, who directly impacted 1,280 students. Additionally, Wisdom&Wellness Counselors, elderly women who provide community-based interventions and administered the PHQ-9 to assess depression levels were also trained and provided ongoing community interventions for the duration of the project. The project engaged 197 individuals in the community, notably impacting 48 youth under the age of 25, highlighting its reach and effectiveness among younger populations. This initiative not only provided crucial data on mental health states but also involved the community in understanding and addressing mental health issues. The trained counselors played a key role in diagnosing and managing depression, with 44% of participants reporting that their mental health issues moderately to extremely affected their daily functioning.

In the school setting, the project's activities included comprehensive training for teachers and the formation of a wellness club, which collectively fostered a supportive environment for addressing mental health openly and effectively. The introduction of mental health education into the curriculum and the active participation of 84 students in the wellness club highlighted the school’s commitment to promoting mental well-being. These efforts were complemented by the enthusiastic involvement of the school's leadership and the integration of mental health awareness into regular school activities, which were instrumental in normalizing conversations about mental health and enhancing peer support among students.

Beyond the school, the project extended its services to the broader community through psychosocial interventions facilitated within the local government authority in Sinza B. These community-based interventions focused on providing weekly interpersonal counseling and psychosocial support, which was critically supported by local leaders who helped identify residents in need of mental health services. Throughout its duration, the program successfully engaged the community, providing them with necessary mental health assessments and support. This initiative not only alleviated immediate mental health concerns but also laid a foundation for sustained mental health support within the community.