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HomeEDUCATIONExperts Advocate for Mental Health Inclusion in CBC

Experts Advocate for Mental Health Inclusion in CBC

Experts Advocate for Mental Health Inclusion in CBC.

Mental health professionals have urged the government to incorporate mental health education into the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to address the increasing prevalence of psychological challenges among young people.

Counsellors and university lecturers emphasized the importance of teaching mental health from an early age to curb the growing cases of anxiety, depression, suicide, substance abuse, and other mental health issues among students.

Dr. Susan Gitau, a Senior Psychologist and lecturer at Nazarene University, stressed the need for a national conversation about the crisis, warning that failure to act could result in losing an entire generation.

The stakeholders called for adequate funding for mental health programs in schools and communities. They proposed that mental health training should be embedded in school curricula, starting from primary levels, to help students build resilience and coping skills.

Additionally, they recommended equipping all learning institutions, from primary schools to universities, with trained counsellors who could provide both academic and psychological support.

Institutional Efforts at Zetech University

Speaking during a stakeholder meeting at Zetech University’s Ruiru campus, where students underwent counselling sessions, Veronica Kamau, Head of the Department of Tourism and International Relations, explained the steps the institution has taken to tackle the issue.

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Zetech University has established a counselling unit and a peer counselling club to address the growing mental health concerns. She highlighted financial strain as a major challenge, stating that unresolved struggles could lead to severe depression among students.

Kamau emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and local administrations to provide a holistic solution to the mental health crisis.

She urged all parties to work together to ensure accessible and sustainable mental health support systems.

Student Struggles Highlight the Crisis

Zetech University students, led by Nelius Wanjiku, outlined the challenges they face, such as drug abuse, financial difficulties, and a lack of effective communication with parents and lecturers.

Wanjiku revealed that many students are forced to sell personal items like laptops and beddings to clear debts or buy food. Stress levels peak when students are barred from taking exams due to unpaid fees, leaving them uncertain about their future.

The lack of communication and inability to share their struggles often leaves students feeling isolated, pushing some to desperate actions.

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The call for integrating mental health into education highlights the urgency of addressing this growing concern.

Experts and stakeholders agree that early intervention, institutional support, and enhanced partnerships are crucial in mitigating the mental health crisis among young people.

Experts Advocate for Mental Health Inclusion in CBC

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