Teachers walk to raise funds for wellness center amid mental health crisis

Teachers across the country participated in a walk in Nairobi on Sunday to raise funds for constructing a wellness centre to address the growing mental health crisis among educators.

It was the inaugural mental health awareness walk by the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA). It started at the Ulinzi Sports Complex and ended at Nyayo Stadium and had the participation of leaders including Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe.

The initiative under the theme ‘10KStepsForMyteacher’ began on Saturday in counties such as Kisumu, Nakuru, Machakos and Kiambu.

KEWOTA Chief Executive Officer Benta Opande emphasised the urgency of the project, noting that approximately one in four teachers suffers from mental health issues.

Opande said the campaign aimed to raise awareness about the mental health challenges that teachers face and provide them with the resources and support needed to prioritise their well-being, while also advocating for policies and practices that promote a healthy work environment.

“This walk is aimed not only at increasing awareness but also creating a lasting solution towards eradicating mental health issues among teachers and enhancing the quality of learning,” she said.

For the past three years, at least 100 teachers have reportedly committed suicide, highlighting the severe impact of mental distress within the profession.

Teachers' mental health challenges are attributed to factors such as domestic abuse, financial strain, and family problems.

Opande pointed out that the prevalence of alcoholism among male teachers was a significant concern and that many suffer in silence, unable to find understanding from their families and institutions.

“There is a wellness centre run by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) but many teachers are reluctant to seek help there, feeling that their issues are not related to their employer,” she explained.

Opande further announced that KEWOTA was collaborating with several organisations and negotiating for a piece of land to establish the wellness centre.

“We are working with the Kenya National Union of Teachers, Nairobi branch, because they have a land scheme in Joska. We have agreed that the funds raised from this walk will primarily go towards purchasing the land,” she said.

The TSC’s 2021–2022 annual report corroborates the severity of the issue, indicating that one in four teachers seeking outpatient services is diagnosed with a mental health disorder.

According to the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, the walk will take place annually.