Last week, Rusinga Schools celebrated Mental Health Week under the inspiring theme of “Express Yourself!” It was a meaningful occasion for our school community to engage in a dialogue around mental health, an area that has increasingly come into focus over the past few years. Mental health, much like physical health, is integral to the overall well-being of our students and staff. As a school, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes emotional resilience and creativity as part of a holistic approach to education.
The theme, “Express Yourself”, served as the perfect framework for our Mental Health Week activities, allowing our community to explore and express emotions in diverse and creative ways. From art and music to dance, these activities highlighted the importance of self-expression as a vital tool for managing mental health and enhancing overall well-being.
Art, one of our strongest programmes here at Rusinga, is one of the most powerful mediums for self-expression, and during Mental Health Week, we tapped into its potential to help students and staff connect with their emotions. Across the school, different groups participated in art sessions designed to encourage creative expression, using colours, shapes, and images as vehicles to communicate feelings.
The results were nothing short of extraordinary. The artworks produced were as diverse as the individuals who created them, each one representing a unique perspective on personal experiences and emotions. Whether through abstract designs or detailed portraits, the artworks reflected the complexity of human emotion—joy, anxiety, hope, and even uncertainty. These visual representations became a testament to the emotional depth and individuality of our community.
For many students, this activity offered an opportunity to express thoughts and emotions they may not have been able to articulate through words alone. The creative process also proved to be a soothing and therapeutic experience for many, providing an outlet for stress and offering a sense of accomplishment and clarity.
Music and dance were equally important elements of our Mental Health Week celebrations. These expressive art forms have long been known to lift spirits, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of connection and belonging. Throughout the week, students and staff were encouraged to use music and movement to express their inner thoughts and feelings.
Music sessions involved both listening to different genres and singing. Whether through singing, playing instruments, or simply listening, these sessions provided a calm space for reflection and emotional release. It was fascinating to see how students connected with certain types of music, and how rhythms and melodies helped them process their emotions. Teachers came out too, and put their best feet forward in a jig or two!
Dance offered an exhilarating and often joyful way to celebrate mental health, allowing participants to move freely and express themselves without judgement. It was a reminder that mental health is not just about managing stress but also about embracing joy and vitality.
While Mental Health Week provided an important moment for focused attention on well-being, it is by no means the end of our efforts at Rusinga Schools. The activities from the week remind us of the importance of integrating mental health awareness into the daily life of our school. As educators, we recognise that mental health is not a one-time discussion but an ongoing commitment to supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of our students and staff.
Moving forward, we aim to maintain the momentum generated during Mental Health Week by embedding creativity and self-expression into our wider school curriculum. Art, music, and dance are not just tools for special events—they are crucial aspects of emotional education that help our students develop the resilience they need to navigate the challenges of life.
Additionally, our teachers and staff will continue to be key advocates for mental health. We are committed to offering workshops, counselling services, and open forums where students and staff can discuss mental health issues freely. In our efforts to amplify the voice of the child, our student peer counsellors will continue to play a critical role in this process. By creating an environment where emotional well-being is openly discussed and supported, we ensure that every member of our school community feels valued, understood, and equipped to express themselves.
Our celebration of Mental Health Week under the theme “Express Yourself!” has reinforced the importance of maintaining a school culture that prioritises mental health. By providing avenues for creative expression, we not only support our students’ and staff’s emotional well-being but also encourage a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Rusinga Schools remains dedicated to fostering an environment where creativity and mental health thrive together, ensuring that everyone in our community can flourish, both emotionally and academically.
