Vickie Maponga Drives Mental Health Initiatives Around The Country
By Desire Tshuma
Harare – Veteran journalist Vickie Maponga has gone an extra mile besides being a journalist, taking mental health challenges as a serious problem that affects almost everyone within the society including professionals.
On Saturday Vickie engaged educators at Presbyterian Church in Highlands. She began by sharing her story of struggle and survival, recounting the dark days when mental health issues had almost consumed her. The room fell silent, with teachers from Harare and beyond hanging on her every word as she described the depths of despair and the long, arduous path to recovery.
“As a survivor of mental health challenges, I would like to teach and share my story with you; don’t despair, seek counselling either from a a trusted friend, colleague or relative and definitely you can get healed,” Vickie explained.
“Mental health has serious devastating impact on individuals and families. Sharing your challenges with someone you trust is critical, it heals through counselling that you get and there is no permanent challenge in life if you share your story even how painful it is,” Vickie said.
On completion of her speech, the room erupted into applause, a testament to the impact of her story. This powerful presentation was part of an event held in Harare aimed at equipping teachers with the tools to manage mental health issues, a growing concern in schools and communities across the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the ZBC Main News Anchor and mental health advocate, Vickie explained the importance of launching a mental health awareness program with teachers.
“The meeting today was targeted for teachers because mental health is everywhere. Mental health needs to be taught, especially to teachers, because they shape the future of people. If a teacher fails to manage their mental health, they will put stress on the learner, and it’s obviously going to affect the student’s studies. This feeling can have ripple effects, such as school dropouts, child marriages, drug abuse, and more. So, we felt it’s helpful to conduct this exercise with teachers,” she told journalists.
Meanwhile, Agnes Muungani, a teacher from Gutu who attended the workshop, applauded Vickie’s initiative, explaining the key takeaways she had acquired. “I have learned that in life, we encounter challenges, but we should have a positive mindset. Suicide and drug abuse are not solutions to our mental problems; instead, we have to be strong and find alternative ways to manage depression,” she said.
Vicky’s advocacy comes at a time when mental health has claimed the lives of innocent civilians through suicide and drug abuse. It has also led to prostitution and early child marriages. Hence, teaching about mental health is a vital cog in addressing these pressing matters and saving human lives.
The Mental Wellness program, attended by government officials, members from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), and renowned presenter Dr. Rebecca Chisamba, will not be limited to Harare but will roll out the remaining nine provinces in Zimbabwe, aiming to raise awareness and equip teachers with knowledge on mental health management tips.
