High School Teacher Allegedly Drowns Herself
Teachers and students of St Anthony Boys High School in Uasin Gishu County are still in disbelief after a teacher took her own life. According to reports, the teacher identified as Sharon Jelagat, who is a mother of two, committed suicide by drowning herself inside a borehole for unknown reasons.
The police retrieved the body from the borehole and launched investigations into the incident. Authorities urged residents to seek counseling when they have challenges rather than taking their lives, noting that cases of suicide have increased in the country.
Friends who shared their last conversation with the deceased indicated that the teacher was under depression. They described Sharon as a person who touched the hearts of those around her and had left a lasting impact.
According to Opande, an estimated 30% of Kenyan teachers suffer from depression and anxiety, and since 2022, over 60 teachers have died by suicide.
To raise awareness about the rising cases of mental health issues among teachers and students, the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) has scheduled a nationwide mental health awareness walk named ‘10,000 Steps for My Teacher’ for May 26, 2024. This walk will take place simultaneously in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Migori counties.
The Teachers Service Commission and Ministry of Education, among other partners, are supporting the initiative, which aims to raise funds for the construction of a mental health complex in Nakuru County. This facility will provide clinical services to both teachers and the public.
Opande stated that the county government of Nakuru has offered land for the facility’s construction, and they have signed an MoU with an organization to provide experts at this center.
Additionally, the teachers urged the Ministry of Education to embrace ICT and allow educators to conduct online classes to mitigate school closures due to the prevailing bad weather.
High School Teacher Allegedly Drowns Herself
