Mental Health Curriculum to be Launched
School-based mental health curriculum proposed by the AMPATH AYAM program will soon be launched.
The mental health program is meant to expand access to and quality care for adolescents, youth mental illness, and substance use.
Research shows that 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age.
Dr Edith Kwobah psychiatrist from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret said that through sensitization they would be able to reach out to many teachers and parents.
“After sensitization we will be able to train our teachers in our African Mental Health Curriculum for schools so that they can be able to understand and handle mental illness rather than stress and distress in schools,” said Dr. Kwobah.
Dr. Kwobah highlighted issues of drug abuse in schools saying that prevention is better than cure that through sensitization they will play a bigger part in reducing the intake of alcohol and drug abuse in schools.
“Last year we received news of students having alcohol in schools and they were sent to us for assessment, but through this initiative the teachers will be able to initiate care to the students as their psychiatrist and help will be available,” she concluded.
Director of Education Uasin Gishu County Khalifa added that they would review the curriculum so that the children will be safe.
“We are going to look into the photos and videos used in our teachings with the support of the psychiatrist if they are good for their mental wellness or not. This will help to reduce cases of school dropouts and deaths among students,” said Khalifa.
He urged parents to collaborate with the teachers in order to identify the first signs of depression and mental illness in their children.
“Mental health is treatable and if we are able to know the state of our children and seek medication since the drugs are available our children will be performing well,” Khalifa said.
Khalif added that by providing mental health in schools, it would support them in delivering the curriculum by supporting students who are suffering from drug abuse and other issues that lead to disruption and unrest in schools.
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