Veronica Kamau,Head of Department Hospitality and Tourism,Zetech University
Mental illnesses have been cited as a pandemic that is plaguing the country of bright, innovative and talented youths.
The most affected, according to experts in the education sector, are students in higher learning and tertiary institutions as well as those who just completed their secondary school education.
Mental issues, the stakeholders say have been resulting in alarming cases of suicide, violence, mental disorders and killings involving young people in Universities and colleges.
This, they say, is a ticking time bomb that requires serious attention and a multi-sectoral approach to deal with.
Speaking at a career fair at Zetech University in Ruiru, Kiambu County during a career day, the stakeholders stated that time is ripe for enhancement of awareness and adoption of deliberate measures to deal with the mental health scourge in the country.
Kamau pointed out that both the county and national government, institutions of higher learning, NGOs and other organizations should join hands to create awareness as well as invest in counseling and mentorship so as to win the war against mental issues.
“It is time for both the county and national governments, institutions of higher learning, NGOs, and other organizations to come together,” Mrs Kamau said.
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While noting that mental issues are no longer associated with old age, the educationist urged the young people to seek help from counselors as well as mentors by confiding in them the issues they are facing, noting that this will help them overcome and save them from sinking into depression.
Dr. Henry Kiogora, a head of a department at Zetech University revealed that the private institution has put in place structures that promote good health and well-being of its students, staff and members of the community.
“Many parents have neglected their roles, which has contributed to the rise in social ills among their children,” Dr. Kiogora remarked. “Parenting must be intentional if we are to address this crisis effectively.”
He challenged parents to handle their parenting mantle with seriousness saying that most parents have back-tracked on their duties and hence the reason why their children are sinking to social ills.
Ends
