A Mental Health Awareness Campaign kicked off in Windhoek with a walk from the Grysblock residential area to the A. Shipena Secondary School.
It was held under the theme "Life is better with you here – to break the silence."
The event featured a choral music competition among local high schools to promote awareness around mental health.
John Pandeni, Constituency Councillor, Shaalukeni Monde highlighted harmful gender norms as a contributing factor to mental health struggles as well as suicide, stressing that "behind every statistic is a grieving family."
"One of the greatest challenges we face is the cultural expectation that discourages men and boys from expressing their emotions; this harmful narrative that equates vulnerability with weakness has left many suffering in silence. We must change this story. Vulnerability is not weakness; it's humanity. Stigma remains another significant barrier. Far too often, people with mental health struggles are told to be strong, get over it, and achieve mental illness by choice. But just as no one would tell a person to ask her to breathe harder, we cannot tell someone with depression or anxiety to simply step out of it. Mental health deserves the same compassion, agency, and professional care as physical health."
An Italian delegation which attended the event donated toiletries to the high school and two bicycles to encourage learners to start a bicycle club. Milena Manicone, president of "Giovanni Manicone", spoke at the event.
"A force we hope will inspire others because every new life brings us challenge, suffering and dark moments; we are not alone. And when we share our experience, we can find strength and hope."
The A. Shipena High School principal, Moses Haufiku, expressed his gratitude.
Your tireless education in naturally the minds and hearts of our learners to be comfortable and to become responsible for the authentic length of the break and the national citizen of this country is commendable. Today, I urge you to reflect on promising the impact of mental wellness as not only an academic success but also personal development and social interaction. I would like to extend the appreciation and welcoming and the dedication from Italy that you've been here today. It's extraordinary, and we are delighted to have you here."
Several mental health service providers are showcasing their services, including Lifeline Childline, UNAM social workers, the Be Free Campaign, the Social Welfare Club at A. Shipena, and the Namibia Mental Wellness Association, among others.
The initiative aims to raise awareness about mental health, suicide prevention, and gender-based violence.