As a commitment to ensuring mental, economic and social health to mark Mental Health Month, senior school teachers from Nyamira have started an aggressive campaign to sensitise and help their colleagues in the teaching fraternity. Led by Josephat Atunga, the group said that for education and families to succeed, the wellness of teachers, who are the main custodians of knowledge, should be taken care of with a lot of concern.
Speaking during the launch of the campaign, Josephat Atunga outlined why educators’ wellness is critical in learning institutions and society. He explained that a teacher who is mentally sound is more patient, creative, and responsive to learners’ needs. Stress, anxiety and burnout undermine lesson delivery, discipline management, and the ability to mentor students effectively. When teachers are supported, classrooms become calmer and more productive, and the quality of teaching improves noticeably.
Josephat noted that healthy teachers also strengthen school performance. Consistent attendance, punctuality, and focus directly influence academic results. Wellness programs reduce absenteeism caused by stress-related illnesses and help teachers stay engaged throughout the term, which translates into better learner outcomes. He added that wellness has an economic dimension as well.
Teachers who manage their mental and physical health avoid unnecessary medical costs and are better able to plan and manage their finances. Financial stress is one of the leading causes of anxiety among educators, so addressing wellness helps protect household stability.
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Accompanied by his Organising Secretary, Mbuni Ondieki, Josephat said that his group has saved enough money to create a support fund that will come in handy in the event any member of the teaching fraternity falls into trouble. He explained that the fund is meant to provide immediate assistance and cushion teachers from emergencies, so that no one feels abandoned when faced with hardship.
Josephat and his team also urged teachers to avoid excessive drinking and instead prioritise eating well in order to develop body strength for a happy life and career continuity. They emphasised that good nutrition and healthy habits are essential for sustaining the energy and focus required in the classroom.
Josephat Atunga called on school boards, the Teachers Service Commission, and local leaders to integrate wellness checks, peer support groups, and financial literacy sessions into regular school programs. He stressed that investing in teachers is investing in the future of the county. The campaign will involve school-to-school visits, peer counselling sessions, and community talks throughout May to encourage open conversations around stress, workload, and work-life balance in the teaching profession.
By Enock Okong’o
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