MKU hosts Sikika Youth Fest: Mental Health Awareness forum
Varsity on 2nd June, 2023 hosted Sikika Youth Fest: Mental Health Awareness forum at Mwai Kibaki Convention Centre. The fest was conducted under the themed “Tubonge Tusifiche” The forum recognizes the critical need for interventions in support of the mental well-being of the youth. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 10, the forum seeks to promote good health and well-being for all ages while reducing inequalities and ensuring that no one is left behind.
H.E Pastor Dr. Dorcas Rigathi was the chief guest during the fest, she encouraged the youth to rise above their current struggles by seeking help from counsellors for their better health. She is a true testimony of a fighter having been raised by a single mother in Kiandutu Slums. Her Excellence ever attempted suicide and so she resonates well with the mental health challenges. Dr. Dorcas Rigathi inspirational story as documented by Pastor Catherine Kiuna can be accessed here >> Article: Covered by Citizen or the Video Interview by Cathy Kiuna
Dr. Jane Nyutu, MKU Co-founder and Director Mind and Beyond Counselling Centre delivered her keynote address on “Mental Health Challenges facing the youth in the 21st century” where she addressed contributors to mental illness among the youth, common mental disorders , effects of mental disorders and general mental health awareness issues. Mind & Beyond Counselling Center offers professional services that enhance personnel development and self-awareness for the overall well-being of individuals. MKU Offers counselling to the students through the Counselling Centre and through the chaplaincy
Sikika Tubonge Tusifiche is a youth mental health awareness forum that aims to address the pressing issue of mental health among young people in Kenya. Sikika Tubonge Tusifiche aims to establish a robust network that connects young people with mentors and provides access to various opportunities. By doing so, this initiative seeks to empower the youth and offer them a chance at a dignified future. With the implementation of these interventions, Sikika Tubonge Tusifiche aspires to witness a significant reduction in the number of young people living with anxiety and depression.
Todays event was co-organized by Conscious Works Consult, TV47 and Radio 47. special gratitude is reserved for our esteemed guests, especially our chief guest, H.E. Pastor Dr. Dorcas Rigathi, EGH, who took the time to inspire the youth with her presence.
