The Girls’ and Boys Education Movement (GBEM), in partnership with the Randfontein Police and the Department of Health, hosted a mental health awareness session for Grade 10 and 11 boys from Hoërskool Jan Viljoen High School last Friday, May 15.

The initiative aimed to equip learners with important life skills, emotional support, and guidance on challenges affecting young people.

The session formed part of GBEM’s broader mission to empower youth with the knowledge and skills needed to address issues impacting their daily lives, including mental health, social pressures, personal development, and decision-making.

Also read: Learners receive safety wake-up call

Open conversations around mental health

Learners participated in open discussions focused on mental well-being, with facilitators encouraging them to speak freely about challenges such as stress, anxiety, peer pressure, and the importance of asking for help when needed.

Nthabiseng Ramagadza from the Department of Health highlighted the importance of early intervention, explaining that many mental health challenges begin during adolescence. She noted that awareness initiatives in schools play a critical role in helping young people recognise emotional struggles and access support at an early stage.

Guidance from SAPS and community stakeholders

Co-ordinator of the event, Sergeant Portia Mabala, addressed the learners and focused on the importance of discipline, making positive decisions, avoiding substance abuse, and helping to create a safe and supportive school environment.

The collaboration between law enforcement officials and healthcare professionals provided learners with a balanced approach to the topic, combining emotional support with practical life guidance.

GBEM co-ordinator and organiser of the event, Florence Malumise, emphasised that programmes like these are essential in creating safe spaces where young boys can openly discuss issues that are often overlooked. She added that the movement encourages learners to support one another, promote respect, and grow into responsible and informed young men.

Learners welcome the initiative

The initiative was well received by the learners, with many praising the programme for addressing real-life challenges faced by young men.

Owethu Hlongwane, a learner at the school, described the event as educational and said it motivated him to do better in life. His friend, Imange Rini, expressed hope that similar sessions would continue to be hosted for boys in the future.

Other stakeholders who attended and addressed the learners included Khethekile NPO, Proud Fathers NPO, Randfontein Clinic, Westview Clinic, the SGB chairperson, and local minister Pastor Wessels.

Organisers expressed their commitment to continuing similar engagements at schools across the region in an effort to strengthen mental health awareness and provide support to young people.