Unisa students empowered with tools for a healthier life

Themed as the Student Health and Well-being Awareness Festival, a recent series of workshops brought students together to learn, grow, and thrive. From expert-led workshops on mental health to fun aerobic exercises, the event offered something for everyone. Attendees explored wellness stalls, gained practical tips, and connected with fellow students. The festival empowered students with tools for a healthier life.

Students from the North-Eastern Region attending the workshop

Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think and feel, and it influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. According to the World Health Organization, good mental health is when you can

• cope with the usual stresses of life
• study and work productively
• realise your potential
• contribute to the community

The Office of the Dean of Students and regional services staff presented mental health awareness workshops at the Midlands and North-Eastern Regions in April and May. The workshops were attended by members of the Students Representative Council (SRC), students, staff members from the Office of the Dean of Students, and representatives of the regional service centres.

The purpose of the workshops was to raise awareness and provide education about health and well-being to Unisa students within a student development context. The workshops adopted a holistic model to well-being, focusing on aspects of physical, emotional, social, financial, academic, environmental and spiritual wellness.

Tebogo Mangope addressing students

The workshops were facilitated by Lizette le Roux (Acting Deputy Director: Student Development) and Tebogo Mangope (Student Health and Wellness Practitioner), with the support of Ntee Moatlhodi (educational psychologist), Maluleke Tiyiselani, staff from the Office of the Dean of Students, and representatives of regional service centres.

Regional representatives Angie Bopape and Pindiwe Seloma welcomed the participants and emphasised the importance of the workshops. The workshops assisted students in knowing when to seek assistance when needed. Kwena Mabutla, National Students Representative Council (NSRC) representative, delivered a message of support to the participants and stressed the importance of taking care of one’s mental health.

Presenters from Higher Health talked about mental health, stress management and suicide prevention, identifying depression stress factors and coping strategies, and substance abuse and its impact on the wellness of students. A representative from FAMSA (Family and Marriage Society of South Africa) spoke about the different substances that students may abuse, the implications of substance abuse as well as other services and programmes they provide for students and communities. A representative from CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) encouraged students to have regular health checkups and cancer screenings.

The third day of the programme was a fun-infused learning experience, where the students visited stalls provided by various entities, including FNB, Old Mutual, Absa, Anova Health Institute, FAMSA, CANSA, Lifelove, the South African Police Service, the Aurum Institute, the South African National Blood Service and the Tshisimogo Foundation. On site also was a mobile clinic provided by Higher Health. Students participated in aerobic exercises aimed at teaching the importance of physical activity to increase their heart rate and to strengthen their cardiovascular system. The aerobic exercises were facilitated by Virgin Active in both regions.

Students participating in aerobic exercises

The highly successful workshops left students with valuable information regarding self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation and self-leadership.

* By Tebogo Mangope, Student Health and Wellness Practitioner