The weight of academic pressures, societal expectations, and poverty were among the most listed as contributing factors of stress and anxiety for youths in Lilongwe Schools. Recognizing this growing concern, MATCH Foundation through Achinyamata Ojaka Mental Health Outreach Program is making a positive impact in such schools.
Since its launch in February, the program has achieved a significant milestone by delivering
psycho-social mental resilience training to students in Lilongwe District. This month the foundation wrapped up the sessions at Namitete Secondary School, Chitedze Community Day Secondary School, and Chimutu Community Day Secondary School. Building on the previous sessions, this outreach program has now empowered a remarkable 3,711 students across Lilongwe with essential mental health resources. The approach to the program included a facilitation on what mental health is and causes of mental illness. Role plays on potential life scenarios followed by an understanding of wheel of life. The session ends by challenging gender expectations that may hinder one’s mental stability to manage emotions.
The program’s effectiveness is further amplified by the feedback received from students. This
highlights the critical need for such outreach efforts. By equipping young people with the
knowledge and tools to navigate mental health challenges, the Achinyamata Ojaka program is paving the way for a future generation that prioritizes mental well-being. The major highlight of the program is how students opened up to seek help after every session. Students needing more one on one sessions proved that they are ready to build resilience in difficult times by their increased ability to call for help, something which is a contributing factor to suicide cases.
The ministry of education recommends MATCH Foundation to replicate this mental health program to schools in other regions in the north and southen districts as well.
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