
Latest News
Stay updated with the latest news and events from Kampala International University in Tanzania.
Boosting mental wellness across Tanzanian universities

In a powerful move to address this pressing issue, the Kicheko Africa Foundation recently hosted a transformative training workshop aimed at strengthening campus mental health services through peer support. Held on the 24th and 25th, October 2025, at the University of Dar es Salaam Library Complex, this crucial event brought together students from five Tanzanian universities: Kampala International University in Tanzania (KIUT), the College of Business Education (CBE), the Institute of Social Work (ISW), the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), and Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy (MNMA). The workshop is timely because the academic environment is growing ever more demanding; between rigorous coursework, complex social dynamics, and the significant transition to adulthood, many university students face a challenging web of pressures that can severely impact their mental well-being. The workshop was designed not just as a training platform but as a catalyst for change, empowering students to take an active and critical role in creating a supportive mental atmosphere on their campuses. As mental health challenges become increasingly prevalent in higher education, the importance of peer support cannot be overstated. Equipped with the right tools and knowledge, peer supporters can offer immediate, non-judgmental assistance, foster open dialogue, and create an inclusive environment that encourages students to seek help without fear of stigma. The training was led by experienced psychologists and mental health practitioners who covered essential topics, including understanding mental health and signs of mental illness, effective communication skills and crisis response, the importance of confidentiality and ethical considerations in support, and developing robust referral systems to professional counseling services. The enthusiastic participation and commitment displayed by the selected students from KIUT were particularly noteworthy, reflecting their readiness to lead change in mental health awareness and support on our campus. The two-day workshop was a collaborative learning experience, structured around vital components necessary for establishing successful peer support programs: Understanding Mental Health: Dr. Fridal, a mental health expert from Temeke Hospital, led detailed discussions on the fundamentals of mental health, exploring common signs of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. The session emphasized early recognition for timely intervention. Building Peer Support Networks: Participants learned practical strategies for establishing and sustaining peer support clubs, focusing on creating safe spaces and ensuring the ongoing engagement and training of peer supporters. Practical Skills: Intensive training modules covered active listening, empathy, and non-verbal communication, with a significant portion dedicated to role-playing exercises on handling peers in distress and responding appropriately during crisis situations. Referral and Ethics: Crucial sessions covered how to effectively navigate referral systems to ensure students access professional help when needed, as well as the paramount importance of maintaining confidentiality and adhering to ethical guidelines to build trust. Action and Advocacy: The workshop culminated in a collaborative session where students developed concrete, actionable plans for implementation, including specific initiatives for awareness campaigns and establishing initial peer support clubs at their respective institutions. The knowledge and skills gained from this workshop present a multitude of benefits for Kampala International University in Tanzania, significantly enhancing our campus mental health landscape. KIUT student representatives are now equipped with the crucial knowledge to recognize early warning signs in themselves and their peers, contributing to a healthier, more informed academic community, which is the enhanced mental health literacy. We are moving forward with establishing peer support networks that will serve as safe spaces, cultivating a much-needed culture of openness and encouraging help-seeking behavior, marking the creation of peer support clubs. The emphasis on dialogue, compassion, and understanding will contribute to a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere, directly working to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and leading to a positive campus culture. The successful implementation of these initiatives at KIUT can serve as a model for other universities, fostering collaboration and shared learning across the region, which speaks to sustainability. We are proud to recognize and recommend the following students from the Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration for their commitment and successful completion of the training, equipping them with the necessary skills to effectively serve as Mental Health Peer Supporters on our campus: FLORAH LUTEGE, MARIA LUHIMBO, STELLA FELICIAN, IBRAHIM MHAGAMA, and MUSSA MUSTAPHA. Their acceptance as peer supporters is a vital step in enhancing the overall well-being and resilience of the KIUT student community.
Related Articles

KIUT Workshop Inspires New Teaching Excellence
Nov 6, 2025
Stories You May Like

KIUT Workshop Inspires New Teaching Excellence
Nov 6, 2025
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Parents urged to complete polio vaccinations for children
Oct 6, 2025
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
KIUT dominates TVNL, sweeps top individual awards
Sep 30, 2025

Wazazi wahimizwa kukamilisha chanjo ya polio kwa usalama wa watoto
Aug 31, 2025
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Mainland Netball League to kick off in Tabora on September 26
Aug 28, 2025

Tanzania volleyball team from Kampala international university shine at grand palace hotel international tournament
Aug 15, 2025
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
KIUT Prioritizes Athlete Health
Aug 13, 2025
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Tanzania Prisons, KIUT crowned TVNL Champions
Sep 29, 2025
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
KIUT Shines at Zanzibar Exhibition
Aug 15, 2025