Project Report
| Jul 1, 2025
Advancing Mental Health Literacy in Schools
By Rustica Tembele | Project Leader
During this period, TEWWY strengthened its partnership with schools by continuing to mentor the Wellness Club and enhancing mental health literacy among students.
One of our most promising developments has been the growing recognition of TEWWY as a center of knowledge and field learning. We proudly report that three second-year Psychology students from the University of Dar es Salaam have applied to do their field work with us in August as part of their degree program. Even before their formal placement begins, these students have proactively started engaging with the Wellness Club, a testament to the Club's vitality and to TEWWY's unique model of intergenerational care.
This development is part of a larger trend: TEWWY is becoming a sought-after site for psychology students who want to understand grassroots psychosocial support in action. Your donations have helped us create not only a safe space for students to thrive but also a living classroom for future mental health professionals.
Together, we are creating a ripple effect. By equipping youth with mental health skills today, and mentoring the next generation of practitioners, TEWWY is building a more resilient, informed, and compassionate Tanzania. Thank you for believing in our vision and making this possible.
Mar 4, 2025
Advancing Wellness Education: Insights from School
By Rustica Tembele | Project Leader
Recent Developments
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Stakeholder Engagement
- A productive meeting was held with the school leadership to discuss the implementation of the Workplan. Challenges were addressed, particularly those related to the integration of mental health activities within the existing academic schedule. Teachers expressed a commitment to the program but noted difficulties in balancing these activities with their daily teaching responsibilities.
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Wellness Club Update
- The Wellness Club continues to show positive development. Feedback from club members indicates that the club is well-regarded within the school community and has been successful in attracting new members. The club serves as a critical component of our strategy to promote mental health awareness among students.
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Observations and Strategic Adjustments
- Awareness Levels: It has been observed that mental health still does not receive significant attention at the national level. There is a clear need for increased awareness-raising activities to elevate the importance of mental health within the educational sector and beyond.
- Club Activity: To enhance the effectiveness of the Wellness Club, we plan to initiate monthly meetings aimed at energizing the club's activities and maintaining engagement among its members. This initiative is expected to provide the necessary momentum to ensure the club's ongoing impact.
Next Steps:
- Enhanced Teacher Support: To address the challenges faced by teachers, additional resources and support mechanisms will be introduced. These may include training sessions to help teachers seamlessly integrate mental health activities.
- Awareness Campaigns: A series of targeted awareness campaigns will be planned to elevate the profile of mental health issues within the school and the wider community. These campaigns will aim to shift cultural perceptions and garner broader support for mental health initiatives.
- Strengthening Club Operations: Regular reviews of club activities will be instituted to ensure that the Wellness Club achieves its objectives. The planned monthly meetings will serve as a platform for members to share ideas, discuss challenges, and receive ongoing support.
Nov 3, 2024
Bridging Youth Mental Health through Schools
By Rustica Tembele | Project Leader
TEWWY continued its commitment to youth mental health support through three main activities:
1. School Wellness Club Support
- Provided ongoing guidance and resources to the established wellness club
- Supported peer-to-peer mental health support initiatives within the school setting
2. Work Plan Implementation
- Continued supporting the execution of the student and teacher-developed work plan
- Ensured activities remained aligned with mental health literacy objectives
- Provided necessary resources and guidance to keep initiatives on track
- Maintained regular check-ins with teachers to address any challenges
3. University Mentor Program Development
- Established new partnerships with community organizations: Youth Community Rehabilitation (YCR) and Youth Volunteers Against Risky Behaviours (YOVARIBE)
- Connected university mentor students with these organizations to expand support network
- Facilitated knowledge sharing between university students and youth organizations
Impact and Progress
The continuation of these activities has strengthened our school-based mental health program by:
- Empowering students to take leadership roles in mental health advocacy
- Creating sustainable support systems through peer-led initiatives
- Building bridges between educational institutions and community organizations
- Expanding the reach of mental health support services to more young people
Next Steps
Moving forward, we plan to:
1. Further develop the wellness club's capacity through additional training and resources
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the current work plan and make suggestions for adjustments as necessary
3. Strengthen the university mentor program by:
- Expanding partnerships with more community organizations
- Developing structured mentorship guidelines