Professor's Gild on Students Wellbeing in Kenyan Educational Institutions

By, Prof. Dr. Halimu Shauri

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Today, I want to share insights and ornamentation on a subject close to my heart and soul, students wellbeing.

You may be asking yourself why this focus? Because one time I was a student and I have over two decades experience working with students as a lecturer, head of department, board member of several schools, chairman of Board of Management, council member of the first Pwani University Council and now dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Accordingly, I consider myself qualified to speak about students wellbeing in our schools and institutions of higher learning.

“Wellbeing in our schools or institutions of higher learning is about providing an enabling environment where students feel safe, secure, supported and empowered to academically, socially and emotionally triumph.”

Accordingly, this can be achieved by looking at students access to guidance and counselling services for mental health support, skills on management of feelings and open safe spaces where students can talk and mingle without fear.

All these build up to emotional wellbeing, which is deficient in many of our educational institutions.

Students also need health meals and nutritional security, with opportunities for physical activities and health education covering sleep, lifestyle choices and hygiene standards.

These takes care of the physical wellbeing of our students. The question is do you have them in your institution?

Many students suffer because of absence of anti-bullying policies and weak conflict resolution mechanisms. Weak team work and spirit coupled with poor peer relationships burden our students. Worse is when students feel strongly that they do not belong to the institution. All these affect the social wellbeing of the students.

We should also look at the burden of workload and homework. Are the students getting support for different learning styles and needs?

Educators must encourage creativity, curiosity and passion for learning rather than only pushing for grades/ performance. This way, we promote academic wellbeing of the students.

Because the school is a triangle of support with teachers, parents and community involvement, there is need for consideration for staff wellbeing, parents and community involvement in a Whole-of-School approach to management and governance.

This can involve training, work-life balance and a good working environment. To bind the trio, communication is key, while involvement and partnerships are foundational.

Finally, life skill development must be incorporated in all these. We must teach resilience, coping mechanisms, problem solving skills, financial literacy, time management and self care practices.