The Lit Media and Arts Hub Advocates for Mental Health Awareness in Schools

 

THE LIT MEDIA AND ARTS HUB ADVOCATES FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS IN SCHOOLS

 

As part of its ongoing advocacy campaign to promote mental health awareness, The Lit Media and Arts Hub visited Juvenile Palace Academy in the Ojoo area of the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, January 17, 2025. The impactful program, held in the school's hall, commenced at 12:00 PM and lasted for about an hour, addressing crucial topics on mental health and demystifying prevalent myths and misconceptions.

Mrs. Oluwasola Rauf, a seasoned social advocate, highlighted the importance of integrating school counselors into educational institutions. Responding to a question posed by the school principal on how schools can advance mental health advocacy, Mrs. Rauf emphasized that counselors play a critical role in providing emotional support and guidance to students who may be dealing with various challenges.

The convener of the Lit Media and Arts Hub, Mr. Akinola Sesan, also graced the occasion. A renowned poet, mental health advocate, and performing playwright, Mr. Sesan emphasized the significance of literature in fostering mental health awareness. He presented the school with copies of his debut poetry collection, The Grief of Anibala, a groundbreaking contribution to mental health literature. He also donated writing materials, additional mental health literature, and Educare Trust's Monthly Breast Exam (MBE) posters, further enriching the students' learning environment.

Mr. Sesan commended Educare Trust, a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to societal development, for sponsoring and supporting the campaign. He expressed gratitude for their continuous contributions to advancing mental health education in Nigerian schools and communities.

During the event, students and teachers actively participated in discussions on mental health, sharing personal experiences and exploring ways to foster a supportive environment within the school. The program shed light on the critical need to address stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health challenges among young people.

The school principal expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. He acknowledged that the resources provided by The Lit Media and Arts Hub would not only benefit the students but also equip teachers with valuable tools to support their students’ emotional well-being.

Staff members also commended the Hub for its innovative approach to combining literature, advocacy, and community engagement in raising awareness about mental health. They pledged their commitment to implementing some of the insights gained during the session to improve the school's overall mental health culture.

The students were particularly inspired by Mr. Sesan's personal stories and the excerpts he shared from The Grief of Anibala. Many expressed interest in reading the book and learning more about mental health through literature and other educational materials provided during the program.

As the session drew to a close, the school management thanked The Lit Media and Arts Hub for its thoughtful contributions to the students’ development. They expressed their hope that more schools across the state would benefit from such impactful advocacy campaigns.

The Lit Media and Arts Hub reaffirmed its dedication to promoting mental health awareness and pledged to extend its reach to more schools and communities in the future, ensuring that young people have access to the resources and support they need to thrive emotionally and academically.