Children and adolescents are highly vulnerable to mental health challenges, with 8% of children aged 5–9 years and 14% of adolescents aged 10–19 years living with a mental disorder. Studies show that half of mental disorders emerge by age 14, and three-quarters by age 24. In Tanzania, where over two-thirds of the population is under 24, these issues are exacerbated by stigma, social exclusion, and inadequate healthcare resources.
This programme aims to engage students, parents, and educators in fostering wellness within schools. School wellness programs are crucial for addressing rising mental health risks among in and out-of-campus students. Research shows a strong link between health and academic performance, with inactivity and mental health concerns requiring urgent intervention. A supportive school environment that fosters connections with adults and peers reduces anxiety and sadness, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes and overall well-being.
The programme is essential for children's academic, social, emotional, and mental well-being. By mastering their emotions, they are better positioned for success within and beyond academics, making this initiative crucial for holistic development. Key issues addressed include skill gaps, behavioural challenges, and attitudes among students.
IWS, with over 50 years of collective experience, has observed that high youth unemployment, especially in developing countries, often stems from behavioural and attitudinal challenges rather than a lack of job opportunities. These issues, if unaddressed, risk diminishing the productivity of a crucial demographic. Contributing factors include an overemphasis on academic excellence over competence, rigid curricula, and parenting gaps, leaving young people without essential life skills. As a result, many struggle to integrate into society or pursue meaningful careers, increasing their vulnerability to substance abuse, crime, and other detrimental behaviours. Addressing these gaps is vital for preserving a productive workforce at both the family and global levels.
Schools are special institutions because they cater to different age groups, including adolescents, a stage marked by significant transitions in human growth. This period comes with various challenges, as the adolescent brain—particularly the part responsible for logic—is still developing. As a result, adolescents are more prone to engaging in destructive behaviours such as substance abuse, self-harm, cybersex, cybercrime, cyberbullying, and unsafe sexual practices. These behaviours can lead to serious consequences, including early pregnancies, HIV/AIDS, interpersonal conflicts, health complications, and other complex social issues.
Adolescents undergo rapid body changes, including physical growth, cognitive development, and hormonal fluctuations, all of which increase their nutritional needs. However, social, behavioural, and environmental factors often lead to poor dietary choices, such as skipping meals or frequently consuming junk food and sugary drinks. Combined with a sedentary lifestyle, this can result in weight gain or obesity, affecting self-esteem and sometimes leading to eating disorders like anorexia. Additionally, it raises the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Deficiencies in essential nutrients can impair growth, weaken the immune system, and have both short- and long-term impacts on health, with vitamin deficiencies being linked to serious conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular issues.
IWS also addresses challenges affecting all age groups in school, such as the loss of a parent, separation, divorce, and single or step-parenting. Issues like bedwetting, which can stem from various causes, may lead to feelings of shame and anxiety if not properly managed. Similarly, sibling rivalry, sibling bullying, and other childhood adversities significantly impact mental well-being. Studies indicate that approximately 40% of suicide cases may be linked to sibling bullying, highlighting its profound effect. These issues are crucial as they deeply influence children’s emotional and mental health.
A tailored Comprehensive School Wellness Programme is crucial for supporting the well-being of the entire school ecosystem, including students, teachers, parents, board members, and school owners. These programmes are designed to holistically address complex issues while ensuring children's growth, preventing deficiencies, and promoting lifelong healthy habits. With proper support and guidance, they integrate comprehensive mental health education, counseling services, parenting guidance, and corporate wellness initiatives for teachers, staff, managers, school owners, and board members, ultimately fostering overall school well-being and success.
These challenges are not limited to adolescents but also affect individuals under 12, over 18, young people, young adults, adults, and older age groups, though to varying extents. Therefore, these programmes also extend to university students, both on and off campus.