By Levison Lester

Lilongwe, April 29, Mana: Let It Out (LIO), an organisation that deals with mental health awareness, has asked government to introduce a curriculum that will incorporate mental health awareness messages in schools saying this is the only foundation that can help address such issues among youths in the country.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) LIO Director, Phyllis Banda, said young people get exposed to different lifestyles at school hence introduction of mental health awareness as a subject will not only lay a great foundation but also help young people learn long-term ways of dealing with mental health issues.

“Our wish is to see mental health awareness to be a subject where pupils can learn basics related to mental health. I would love to see learners attending mental health lessons because I believe building a strong foundation emanates from schools,” Banda said.

As one way of helping government in addressing mental health related issues, LIO is doing both online and offline mental health sessions.

So far, LIO has targeted young people from Dedza, Blantyre and Lilongwe.

“We are planning to expand to other districts like Mzuzu and Chikwawa. We want to target youths in rural areas because it is where majority of population live.

“We are doing our best to provide free counselling sessions both online and offline. This year we are targeting young people in primary and secondary schools because we want to tackle the foundation,” she said.

Synergy Safe Africa (SESA) Programmes Manager, Emmanuel Chitambuli, said besides introducing educational awareness programmes in schools, there is also need to connect young people with business opportunities to overcome difficult situations they face.

He underscored the importance of providing accessible counselling platforms to the youths saying this can help them express their feelings freely.

“SESA focuses on promoting mental health wellness amongst the youth aged 18 and above. We connect them with opportunities through initiatives such as SESA Girl Power Programme which aims to provide youths with access to part-time jobs, vocational skills training and business opportunities,” Chitambuli said.

Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer, Mphatso Nkuonera, said there is need for consultations before making a stand as the Ministry works hand in hand with various stakeholders in dealing with mental health.

LIO has conducted eight sessions in selected districts with over 1,000 people reached.