Primary Schools Heads Advocates Mental Wellness Among Teachers.
The National Chairperson of the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA), Johnson Nzioka, and the Presidential Advisor on mental Health, Dr. Frank Njenga, have advocated for concerted efforts in addressing mental health disorders among teachers, which have contributed to an increase in the number of reported suicides among teaching staff.
Nzioka stated that it was essential for the issue to be formally addressed and for necessary measures to be implemented to halt the escalating number of cases of mental illness among teachers in the country.
“We made a clarion call to all head teachers and heads of schools, to help identify teachers who need attention.
“Through qualified medics, we trained them to detect staff members that might be in distress,” said Nzioka.
Due to the numerous expectations placed on teachers by their employers, he continued, high blood pressure and diabetes are the most prevalent health conditions among instructors.
“Pressure from the parents, the employer and high targets set by the Ministry to achieve, contribute tremendously to teachers going into depression and anxiety.
“Mental wellness should be well addressed to counter this before it goes out of hand.” Nzioka added.
Nzioka was addressing on the margins of the 18th Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) meeting in Mombasa, where the Association’s annual conference was being held.
Dr. Frank Njenga recommended educators routinely examine, evaluate, and consult on their mental health and welfare.
Njenga stated that teachers play a pivotal and essential role in society.
One of the causes of teachers’ mental health concerns was the imbalance between the societal duties and expectations placed on them and the number of resources made available to them.
“Teachers are members of society and are afflicted by very similar conditions that afflict every member of society,” said Njenga.
Primary Schools Heads Advocates Mental Wellness Among Teachers.
