Otuke, Uganda | Otuke District Education Office, in collaboration with BRAC and supported by UNFPA, has conducted a two-day orientation on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) under the Spotlight 2.0 program.
The event, held from October 30 to 31, 2025, at the District Council Hall, aimed to build teachers’ capacity to support learners struggling with mental and emotional challenges.
The orientation took place from October 31 to November 1, 2025, at the Otuke District Council Hall. It brought together 30 participants, including senior women and men teachers, School Management Committee (SMC) and Parent Teacher Association (PTA) chairpersons, as well as BRAC project staff drawn from eight primary schools, one technical institute, and one secondary school.
The training was facilitated by the District Education Officer (DEO) and the Senior Education Officer, who guided participants through updated education policies and practical approaches to promoting mental wellbeing and life skills among learners.
During the opening session, Juliet Acheng, the Project Manager for BRAC in Otuke and Abim districts, highlighted that mental health remains a neglected area within the education system, yet it significantly affects both teachers and learners.
She said that BRAC’s engagement under the Spotlight 2.0 program seeks to close this gap by promoting psychosocial support in schools and ensuring that educators are equipped to respond to the growing emotional and behavioral needs of children.
Presenting on the concept of mental health and psychosocial support, Ochero Patrick from the education department pointed out that social and cultural pressures, poverty, and oppression are some of the key factors undermining the mental wellbeing of learners and teachers.
He emphasized that addressing these issues requires an integrated approach involving parents, teachers, and the wider community to create supportive environments for young people.
District Education Officer, Madam Lucy Acheng, expressed concern over the continued use of corporal punishment in schools, warning that it contributes to trauma and emotional distress among learners.
She urged teachers to adopt positive discipline methods and to create spaces where children feel valued, respected, and understood.
The training featured an interactive plenary session, where participants shared experiences, asked questions, and discussed practical ways to integrate psychosocial support into school routines.
Many teachers acknowledged that mental health challenges are often overlooked, leading to poor academic performance and school dropouts.
The orientation concluded with a commitment to strengthen coordination between schools, district departments, and development partners to sustain efforts in promoting mental health awareness and support services.
BRAC currently operates in the sub-counties of Adwari, Ogor, Olilim, Okwang, and Otuke Town Council, focusing on ending gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy among adolescent girls aged 10 to 24.
The organization’s mental health initiatives complement these efforts by ensuring that young people receive holistic support for their wellbeing.
The district’s latest engagement represents a crucial step in mainstreaming mental health into education.
By empowering teachers with the right knowledge and attitudes, Otuke District and its partners are laying the foundation for healthier, more resilient learning environments.