A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE: ROTARY CLUBS CHAMPION MENTAL WELLNESS IN SCHOOLS
In a powerful demonstration of Rotary’s commitment to holistic community health, the Rotary Clubs of Accra-East and Accra Trinity, in collaboration with the Rotaract Clubs of UPSA, Accra East, and Wisconsin International University College, spearheaded a groundbreaking Mental Health Education and Screening project at Adenta Community School on September 26, 2025. This innovative initiative moved beyond traditional health outreach to address a critical yet often overlooked pillar of well-being, providing essential support and knowledge to over 600 students and 83 teachers.
The project was built on a powerful alliance with Pantang Hospital, whose team of dedicated mental health professionals served as the backbone of the day’s activities. They delivered expert-led sessions designed to demystify mental health, creating a safe and open environment for dialogue. The curriculum focused on practical, life-changing education:
– Understanding the fundamentals of mental and emotional well-being.
– Identifying signs of stress, anxiety, and other early warnings in oneself and others.
– Building resilient coping strategies for both the classroom and personal life.
– Navigating pathways to seek professional help confidently.
Beyond group seminars, the initiative offered a vital, personalised component: free, confidential mental health screenings and one-on-one counselling sessions. This dual approach ensured that broad awareness was coupled with direct, individual support, aiming to detect early signs of psychological distress and connect at-risk participants with sustainable follow-up care at Pantang Hospital.
The impact was palpable. Teachers, who are on the front lines of youth development, expressed profound gratitude for the tools and recognition. Many highlighted the increasing mental health challenges among students and welcomed the project as a vital, proactive intervention that equips them to better support their pupils.
“Mental health is not a peripheral concern; it is the very foundation upon which educational success and lifelong resilience are built,” emphasized Mary Elorm Addo, President of the Rotary Club of Accra-East, during the event. “By bringing this conversation into the school, we are not just addressing symptoms—we are helping to build a stronger, more aware, and supportive community for our children and their educators.”
The leadership of Adenta Community School offered heartfelt thanks to the Rotary and Rotaract teams and Pantang Hospital, acknowledging the program’s role in breaking down stigma and fostering a culture of wellness within their institution.
By reaching nearly 700 members of the school community, this project did more than provide a day of services; it planted seeds of lasting change. It significantly strengthened awareness, promoted early detection, and established a foundational model for ongoing collaboration between Rotary and educational institutions. This initiative stands as a testament to Rotary’s evolving mission, proving that true health outreach must nurture the mind as diligently as it protects the body, and setting a compassionate precedent for future projects focused on building healthier, more resilient generations.
