Texila American University Zambia (TAUZ) successfully hosted a Workshop for Head Teachers in Lusaka District aimed at enhancing Mental Health Awareness and Support in Schools, bringing together education leaders and health professionals to address mental health challenges affecting learners and educators.
The workshop was officially opened by the Lusaka District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), Dr. Judith Muzona, who was represented by Education Standards Officer – Secondary Education (ESO-SE), Ms. Esnart Mwanza. In her opening remarks, Ms. Mwanza emphasized the need for schools to prioritize mental health and praised TAUZ for creating a platform that empowers head teachers with practical knowledge and skills.
The sessions were facilitated by Senior Faculty members from the School of Public Health at TAUZ, Ms. Niza Rean Simwanza and Mr. Elvin Mfuzi, who delivered comprehensive presentations on understanding mental health issues in school settings, early identification of warning signs among learners and educators, and effective school-based intervention strategies. The facilitators underscored the role of school leadership in fostering safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.
In his welcoming remarks, TAUZ Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Balamurugan Easwaran, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to community engagement and capacity building within the education sector. He noted that promoting mental well-being in schools is essential to improving academic outcomes and overall institutional effectiveness.
The workshop also attracted other key stakeholders, including Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) Treasurer, Dr. Bwalya Mpangela, who provided valuable clinical insights on mental health and highlighted the importance of collaboration between schools and health professionals.
Head teachers actively engaged throughout the sessions, participating in discussions and sharing experiences from their respective schools. The participants expressed satisfaction with the workshop, describing it as insightful and relevant to the challenges faced in today’s school environments. The event reinforced Texila American University Zambia’s role as a strategic partner in advancing mental health awareness and strengthening support systems within schools across Lusaka District.
