Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
TEACHERS have been urged to deal with mental health issues for their personal and learners’ success.
At a workshop dubbed: “Another Chance”, organised by television personality, Victoria Mlilo-Maponga on Saturday, the critical importance of mental health, especially in the context of education, was highlighted.
Mlilo-Maponga said teachers had a profound influence on their students, shaping their future.
She said as such, it was essential for the educators to maintain their mental health to foster a positive learning environment.
“I am here to share with you that mental health is real and not sparing anyone,” said Mlilo-Maponga. “We need to know that there are some misconceptions about mental health, with some thinking that its about insanity.
“If we take it that way, some are quick to accuse witchcraft and ancestors for causing it, thereby failing to address the real causes.
“Many people equate mental health issues with severe conditions, overlooking the everyday challenges that can affect anyone. It’s crucial to address the underlying issues causing mental distress rather than merely treating symptoms.
Mlilo-Maponga said teachers must always remember that among the learners were future ministers, presidents, apostles and teachers.
“If teachers continue discharging their duties without solving their issues, their leaners will end up hating them, the subject and fail their lessons,” she said.
“This will as well affect their parents who sweated in raising their fees and upkeep.”
Mlilo-Maponga encouraged people to seek support and learn to share their mental health challenges.
“Individuals facing challenges should be encouraged to seek help, whether through counselling, peer support or other resources,” she said.
“There is a tendency to judge those dealing with mental health struggles without understanding their backgrounds or experiences.”
Mlilo-Maponga, an ardent follower of Christianity, urged people to avoid taking everything spiritual, spending nights praying for issues that needed to be discussed.
“Some take everything spiritual, accusing witchcraft and ancestral spirits as the root cause of their mental health,” she said. “We need to be honest with ourselves in order to get correct assistance.”
Mlilo-Maponga illustrated how deeply personal trauma can affect mental health, emphasising the need for genuine support from community and faith leaders rather than superficial solutions.
She said it was important to talk to someone about mental health issues and find effective coping strategies.
To further help the teachers, Mlilo-Maponga gave the platform to Mrs Rebecca Chisamba, a former teacher and television personality to share her story.
Mrs Chisamba described teaching as a calling and an anointing.
“Let it be known that teaching kudanwa, izodzo other than a job, hence the need to take it seriously,” she said.
“It is that reason why teachers lose sleep finding ways to assist any student failing to catch up with others. I was a teacher at several schools before I left to pursue other avenues.
“To some teachers, teaching is a stepping stone to other avenues, but some are experiencing mental health issues. We have successful business people in various sectors who started as teachers. Let us open our eyes and create jobs and start self-help projects to avoid mental health issues caused by finances.”
Mrs Chisamba reiterated the importance of cultural values and the power of local languages in addressing mental health.
