FEATURED ARTICLE
CAM: WHAT SUPPORT DOES THE SCHOOL CURRENTLY OFFER AND WHAT INTERVENTIONS DO YOU FEEL WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL IN CULTIVATING A HEALTHY SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT FOR THE STUDENTS? Bern: An open-door policy, as well as support groups in staff and student bodies are available for mental health support - I feel that more robust support initiatives and events will compliment our existing effort to be able to make support more accessible to students. CAM: DO YOU FEEL THAT STUDENTS EASILY RECOGNISE OR ARE AWARE OF MENTAL HEALTH SYMPTOMS? Bern: Most students have some form of experience with mental health symptoms either in their friend groups or personal experience, however there are some who struggle to recognise symptoms of mental health issues in themselves or others. CAM: IN JUNE, YOUTH MONTH, YOU HELD A MENTAL WELLNESS CAMPAIGN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MENTAL WELLNESS INITIATIVE, WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL US MORE ABOUT IT? a.How successful was the event? b.What are some of the outcome’s students took from the campaign? Bern: The event had proven to be incredibly successful, with students and staff all commenting on how helpful it was to be able to share their experiences in a safe environment with the support of peers who can directly relate to those experiences. Students in particular have notably adopted sharing more with each other and creating support systems within their friend groups.
Bern: There are cases of gender-based bullying on campus that are closely monitored, with the victim being given support, and bullies taken through disciplinary action. There has not been any physical violence on campus, and we are not aware of any exposure to GBV faced by students at home, however we are aware of the severity of GBV in our country as a whole and therefore have policies in place for support wherever possible. CAM: DOES THE SCHOOL EVER EXPERIENCE ANY ISSUES OF GENDER- BASED VIOLENCE? (WITHIN THE SCHOOL CONTEXT AND IF THERE ARE ALSO ANY STUDENTS THAT ARE EXPOSED TO GBV BACK HOME) creative work is only fun and cannot be stressful does compound more pressure onto students and creatives in general. CAM: FROM YOUR UNDERSTANDING, DO MOST MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES EMANATE FROM SCHOOL, HOME OR THE COMMUNITY? Bern: Three environments do factor into mental health issues - school can be an incredibly stressful experience with demanding workloads, home life can interfere or get into the way of being able to reach one’s full potential, and within a creative media environment, the societal perception that CAM: DO YOU THINK THE YOUTH MONTH IS ENOUGH TO HIGHLIGHT AND SUFFICIENTLY ADDRESS ISSUES AROUND MENTAL HEALTH AMONGST STUDENTS? IF NOT, WOULD YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS? Bern: Consistent support and open-door policies have proven effective to allow students to feel they have access to support throughout the course of each year. Youth month is a more symbolic gesture, which can lead to positive change, however consistent, year-round support is required to address mental health issues amongst students.
For more information on the SAE Institute visit: www.sae.edu.za
44 | Collective Action Magazine
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