The Centre for Social Sciences Research (CSSR) and the  Institute for Democracy, Citizenship and Public Policy in Africa  (IDCPPA) at the University of Cape Town invite you to join us for a lunchtime seminar on 29 October 2024 at 12:45pm. The seminar will be presented by Tatenda Mawoyo.

About the Seminar:

Exploring the role of school climate in shaping adolescent mental health

There is a high prevalence of mental health disorders amongst adolescents. Adolescent mental health has implications for current and future generations as many of the behaviours that contribute to subsequent morbidity and mortality are established during adolescence. Adolescents spend considerable amounts of time in school, and the school environment can hinder or promote the mental health of adolescents.

Adolescents that reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are more vulnerable to poor mental health due to socio-economic factors, yet there is limited research regarding school climate and adolescent mental health in LMIC contexts. This study aims to explore the role of school climate in shaping adolescent mental health in LMIC contexts.

This study forms part of a feasibility study on Health Action in ScHools for a Thriving Adolescent Generation

(HASHTAG) a multi-component, school-based intervention aimed at enhancing the mental health and promoting the well-being of adolescents at risk in South Africa and Nepal, between the ages of 12-15 years.

School climate-related components included a project launch, school action groups, mental health awareness competition, and teacher wellbeing modules; these activities were also bolstered by a class-based psychosocial intervention for Grade 8 students. The seminar will provide an overview of the PhD and focus on the findings of - Exploring school climate factors and how they impact adolescent mental health, views from adolescents and key stakeholders.

Speakers

Tatenda Mawoyo is a social worker with practical and research experience. As a PhD student, he is dedicated to examining the role of school climate in adolescent health. His research interests include sexual reproductive health, parenting, adolescent mental health, and trauma. Tatenda's goal is to enhance the research field by identifying evidence-based interventions that are both practical and contextually relevant.

 29 October 2024
 12:45 - 14:00 SAST
  CSSR Seminar Room, 4.29 Robert Leslie Social Science Building, UCT

Hosted by the Centre for Social Science Research and the Institute for Democracy, Citizenship and Public Policy in Africa