On October 14, 2024, the Stowelink Foundation, in collaboration with the Zetech University UNESCO Club, facilitated a “Basics in Mental Health” training at Zetech University. The session, attended by approximately 35 students, aimed to raise awareness about mental health, destigmatize common misconceptions, and equip participants with essential mental health skills.

Leadership and Facilitation

Naila Chebet Koech, the Mental Health Lead at Stowelink Foundation, skillfully led the session, drawing on her extensive knowledge and passion for mental health advocacy. Naila’s engaging presentation style captivated the audience, making complex topics accessible and relatable. Her leadership fostered an open environment where students felt comfortable discussing mental health issues.

Fiona Okongo also played a pivotal role in facilitating the training. With her expertise and supportive approach, Fiona effectively guided the group discussions and activities, ensuring that each participant was involved and heard. Together, Naila and Fiona created a dynamic learning experience that empowered students to explore mental health topics in depth.

Interactive Elements and Group Work

The presentation involved interactive elements such as open-ended questions and real-life examples to encourage student participation. After the presentation, students were divided into four groups, each assigned a specific topic related to mental health. The group discussions aimed to deepen their knowledge and promote collaboration. Each group selected a leader to present their findings, fostering leadership skills and peer learning.

The group work topics were:

• Group 1: 7 Common Myths About Mental Health
• Group 2: 7 Mental Health Disorders
• Group 3: How to Prevent and Manage Mental Health Issues
• Group 4: Causes of Mental Health Disorders

This interactive approach allowed students to actively engage with the material and provided a platform for discussion, reflection, and collective learning.

Participant Engagement and Feedback

Despite a delayed start due to class schedules, the training was highly engaging. Participants actively took part in discussions, presentations, and a Q&A session, where they asked insightful questions about mental health. One student, inspired by the event, even wrote an article reflecting on the importance of mental wellness.

You can read the article here: 

Embracing Mental Wellness – Reflections from Zetech Mental Health Training

The Way Forward

Given the positive feedback and high level of engagement, Stowelink Foundation recognizes the need for more mental health awareness programs in universities. We look forward to continuing these efforts and invite partners to join us in expanding mental health education and support across Kenya.

Together, we can break the stigma and build a healthier, more understanding society.