Mental Health Workshop
At The Makazi Foundation, we recognize that mental well-being is foundational to breaking the cycle of poverty. Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, one of our core goals is to offer psychosocial support to young people; empowering them with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive emotionally and mentally.
About the project
Starting point
Between January and August 2022, the Malawi Police Service reported 208 suicide cases—a concerning rise from 160 cases during the same period in the previous year. Of these, 168 were male and 40 female, highlighting the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions, particularly among young people.
The alarming average of 26 suicides per month inspired us to take action and contribute to national efforts in addressing mental health challenges through proactive education and support.
Support from local communities
In November 2022, we hosted a Mental Health Workshop at Blantyre Secondary School in collaboration with Nditha Rehabilitation Centre and Let’s Talk Mental Health Malawi. The workshop welcomed approximately 300 teenagers and created a safe, interactive space to learn, reflect, and share.
Key topics included:
Common mental health conditions
Causes and risk factors
The impact of self-esteem and substance abuse
Practical coping mechanisms and where to seek help
By raising awareness and creating dialogue around mental health, we aimed to empower the youth with resilience, understanding, and access to support systems they can rely on.
Blantyre Secondary School
