Bomet KUPPET Gender Secretary aspirant promises mental wellness centers for teachers

Bomet KUPPET branch Gender Secretary aspirant, Evalyne Chepkirui Sanguya, has pledged to make teachers’ mental health a top priority by establishing mental wellness centers across the county if elected in next year’s union elections.

The Bomet based educator said teachers face immense emotional and psychological pressure that often goes unnoticed, leading to burnout, stress, and depression.

“As educators, we dedicate our lives to nurturing young minds, yet we often forget to take care of our own mental well-being,” Sanguya said.

She added: “Many teachers are silently battling emotional struggles without access to professional support.”

Sanguya’s proposed initiative would see each county equipped with a teacher-focused mental wellness center, offering confidential counseling, stress management programs, and peer-support networks.

She said the centers would serve as safe spaces for teachers to seek help without stigma, improving both personal well-being and professional performance.

“If elected, I will champion the creation of these centers through collaboration with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Ministry of Education, and teachers’ unions,” Sanguya pledged.

The aspirant noted: “Healthy teachers make happy learners and stronger communities.”

Sanguya added that investing in teachers’ mental health will enhance morale, reduce absenteeism, and strengthen classroom productivity.

She further urged that mental health awareness be integrated into teacher training institutions and continuous professional development programs to build emotional resilience among educators.

“We must create a culture of empathy, care, and understanding within our profession. By prioritizing teachers’ well-being, we will be investing in the future of education itself.” Sanguya remarked.

Her remarks have been well received among educators in Bomet, with many describing her proposal as a timely intervention in a profession where mental health issues are increasingly prevalent but rarely discussed openly.