Story by Peter Chivhima
THE government, in collaboration with the private sector, is stepping up efforts to address mental health in schools through a nationwide awareness campaign targeting primary and secondary school teachers.
The campaign was officially launched in Harare this Saturday, with ZBC TV personality Vickie Mlilo spearheading the programme. She highlighted the critical role of teachers in shaping young minds and the broader implications of their well-being on communities and national development.
“Teaching mental health to teachers is critical, as they are entrusted with our children for most of the day. If a teacher’s mental health is compromised, it affects the learners, which in turn impacts communities and the nation at large. Teachers are the builders of our nation,” she said.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has thrown its weight behind the campaign, with the director of Secondary Education, Dr Patrick Ngandini, applauding the move, describing it as a critical step in safeguarding the well-being of the nation’s educators and learners.
“This initiative is critical because if a teacher’s well-being is not affected, his or her performance is also not compromised, and the performance in the class will be very good,” he noted.
The campaign will be rolled out nationwide, reflecting growing recognition of mental health as a key pillar of quality education and national development.
