Prayer session for school mental health programme
The pre-launch was also an opportunity to mobilise resources like the toiletry drive whereby the community can donate sanitary pads because the campaign want to reach about 20 000 school children.
An organisation known for transforming the lives of its community members together with church organisations held a pre-launch of #School Mental Health on Tuesday.
The #School Mental Health Spiritual Crusade and Toiletry Drives organised by the Vhathu Phanda community forum and other organisations was held at Stanza Bopape community hall.
Thabo Mashabela from the organisation said the campaign is set to start on October 10 to 31, where he will be visiting local schools.
“We thought we invited the local church groups to bless the upcoming school programme by having a prayer session with learners and different organisations,” said Moshabelo.
The pre-launch was also an opportunity to mobilise resources like the toiletry drive whereby the community can donate sanitary pads because the campaign wants to reach about 20 000 school children.
The event was attended by local churches, government stakeholders, and private sector and public sectors as it is said it takes the whole community to raise a child.
“We were also praying for people affected by the mental health,” Moshabelo said.
“We have lined up various activities for the local schools and we are continuing with school talks, talks to learners about mental health, GBV substance abuse and all the things that are contributing to the issue of mental health.
However, this time around we have prepared soccer tournaments, prison tours for bully learners and swimming lessons for those who have low self-esteem and victims so that they can fight their fear of water.”
Apostle Mary Masina from House of Grace said they are there to support the good work done in the community, especially school children.
“Our children at local schools desperately need the Word of God to get knowledge and wisdom.
The government should also bring back the biblical study subject, to help guide the learners through their spiritual journey throughout their school days.”
Sister Julia Ledwaba co-ordinator of mental health in the Tshwane region said they are here to support the pre-launch of the Mental Health programme.
She said mental health is a condition that is killing a lot of people and it is a silent killer.
“We are here to support and give information to people to be aware of mental health and how to prevent and support those who are living with it,” said Ledwaba.
She said mental health has a lot of signs and symptoms.
“We have clinics whereby the public can get help,” said Ledwaba.
Moshabelo concluded the programme will close with a walk and drum majorettes together with metro, police, nurses and learners raising awareness about mental health in communities.
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