Nyakach teachers unite for wellness event to relieve classroom pressure

Over 1,000 teachers from various schools in Nyakach Sub County gathered for a mental health and fitness event, aimed at providing a break from the daily challenges of classroom life.

The event, which included participants from both the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), featured a variety of activities designed to foster relaxation and camaraderie.

Kisumu County KUPPET Chairman, Robert Ogaja, lauded the initiative, noting that it was a much-needed respite for teachers who face numerous challenges in their line of duty.

"The idea to organize this fitness day was a brilliant one. Teachers face many pressures in their work, and it's important that we have moments like this to unwind," Ogaja explained.

He further emphasized that while such initiatives might not be prioritized by employers, they are essential for the well-being of educators.

The event's organizer, Alvans Mtetezi, a KNUT official and teacher based in Nairobi, shared similar sentiments, highlighting the mental strain that teachers often experience.

"Teachers, in many ways, work like the military, enduring long hours and immense pressure. They are among the most stressed professionals," said Mtetezi, who is originally from Nyakach.

He explained that his motivation to organize the event stemmed from a desire to reconnect teachers with one another, especially those who had studied together in college.

To bring the event to life, Mtetezi reached out to various leaders for financial support.

He extended his gratitude to Okoth Opande, a local parliamentary aspirant, for providing significant backing.

"I want to thank Opande for shouldering nearly all the costs associated with this event. His support was crucial," Mtetezi remarked.

He also suggested that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) adopt similar wellness programs nationwide to better manage the mental health of teachers.

Opande, who played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the event held at KenGen Grounds, explained his personal connection to the teaching profession.

As the son of a teacher, he expressed a deep understanding of the struggles educators face.

"I stepped in to assist because I know the immense contribution teachers make to society," Opande stated. He emphasized that teachers dedicate their time and energy to shaping the future of students, often under difficult conditions, such as limited resources and heavy workloads.

"Every day, teachers work tirelessly to provide quality education, often with minimal resources. They spend long hours preparing lessons, grading papers, and attending to their students' needs," Opande said.

However, he pointed out that teachers often neglect their own well-being in the process. "It's important to take care of oneself, especially when your job involves taking care of others. That's why I didn’t hesitate to support this initiative."

Looking ahead to the 2027 battle, Opande promised to maintain a strong working relationship with teachers in Nyakach, should he be elected to Parliament.

He acknowledged the critical role that teachers play as opinion shapers within their communities and pledged to consult them on various issues. Additionally, he highlighted the need to address the staffing shortage in schools, which places undue pressure on the current teaching workforce.

"Many teachers are overburdened, handling more subjects than they should because there simply aren't enough teachers. This workload can severely impact their mental health if not addressed in time," Opande warned.

He assured the attendees that he would advocate for better teacher-student ratios to improve the quality of education in the area. "Once in office, I will know the right channels to pursue to ensure our children have better access to qualified teachers."

The event featured various sports and recreational activities, including football, netball, handball, volleyball, dancing, and rope pulling. The teachers were also treated to hearty meals as part of the festivities.

John Ondoyi, a primary school teacher with over 15 years of experience, expressed his appreciation for the event.

"This is the first time we've had an activity like this, and it's been wonderful. It's a great way for us to relieve the stress of the classroom and bond with our colleagues," Ondoyi said.

The event proved to be a successful platform for teachers to relax, connect, and rejuvenate, reinforcing the importance of mental wellness in the teaching profession.