Our founder, Sindisiwe Moorosi, was recently featured in Kwa-Thema News for her efforts to raise mental health awareness among learners at Tlakula Secondary School. Through engaging discussions and educational materials, she encouraged students to speak openly about mental well-being and seek support when needed.
On 25 August, Sindisiwe Moorosi, a twenty-one-year-old Disaster and Risk Management student from the Durban University of Technology, engaged the Class of 2020 at Tlakula Secondary School in a discussion about mental health.
The session focused on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues and equipping learners with tools to support themselves and others. Sindisiwe highlighted the importance of recognizing signs that someone might need help, even in cases where students feel isolated or unable to speak up.
“For instance, there’s a learner who cuts herself but didn’t have anyone to turn to. This initiative provides an opportunity for people to come forward, ask for help, and find someone to talk to, even if that person is just there to listen,” Sindisiwe shared.
The learners received pamphlets containing contact information for facilities and organizations that provide mental health support. Sindisiwe also distributed hand sanitizers and participated in the school’s feeding scheme.
She stressed the importance of open conversations about emotional well-being in black communities and challenged harmful stereotypes, including the belief that boys should not show emotions. “We are all human beings, and all our feelings are valid,” she said.
This initiative was part of Sindisiwe’s community capacity building project for her academic work and was proudly featured in Kwa-Thema News, highlighting the impact young leaders can make in raising awareness and creating safe spaces for dialogue around mental health.
