Catholic Bishops raise alarm over mental health crisis in schools

Nairobi Archbishop Rev. Philip Anyolo Speaking during the Catholic Schools Principals Association (CASPA) Conference in Nairobi on August 5th 2025. (Collins Oduor, Standard) Catholic bishops, led by Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo, have raised concerns over the rising reports of mental health issues among teachers and students. They noted an increase in cases of stress, anxiety, burnout, and moral breakdowns affecting both groups. Bungoma Archbishop Mark Kadima issued a passionate appeal for stronger pastoral care, effective leadership, and enhanced mental health support across Catholic educational institutions. Speaking at the Catholic Schools Principals Association (CASPA) Conference, Archbishop Kadima challenged school principals and administrators to move beyond traditional management roles and embrace their responsibilities as mentors, compassionate listeners, and spiritual leaders. "Some of our staff are silently battling depression, family conflict, addiction, or spiritual dryness," he said."Do not judge them, support them. A mentally healthy teacher is more likely to uphold the values we hold dear." His remarks come amid growing concern over the psychological well-being of educators and learners in Catholic schools. Kadima noted that reports from several dioceses point to increasing emotional distress and burnout, particularly among young and newly appointed teachers. He warned that if these struggles are ignored, they could lead to deeper moral issues. Kadima linked recent cases of teacher misconduct to untreated mental health challenges, emphasising the need for early intervention, pastoral presence, and intentional mentorship. "When serious moral failures unfold undetected in our schools, it is not just a personal problem; it reflects a failure in leadership and school culture," he said. On the matter of school capitation, Anyolo emphasised the critical need for the government to handle school funding and educational reforms with precision and care. "Any misstep in education policy," he warned, "could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the nation but for humanity at large." Unlike other sectors where errors may be corrected over time, he stressed, education is foundational. "We are not merely preparing students for the near future; we are laying the foundation for a life and a world they will one day inherit," he said. Archbishop Anyolo called for deliberate, well-informed decision-making in education, particularly as the country navigates the challenges of implementing the CBE system. Archbishop Kadima also acknowledged the added emotional burden resulting from the ongoing transition to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. With the first CBE cohort now in junior secondary school, both educators and learners are navigating unfamiliar structures, intensified academic expectations, and increasing stress related to performance and future prospects. "Change is stressful," he noted. "Are you preparing your staff not only for curriculum delivery but also for emotional and psychological resilience?" He called for teacher training programmes that go beyond pedagogy to include mental health awareness, emotional intelligence, and holistic support, especially during major academic transitions. In a strong pastoral message, Kadima reiterated the Church's mission to care for the whole person-mind, body, and spirit. He highlighted a new initiative by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) aimed at training teachers in pastoral care and faith formation. Every Catholic school, he urged, should have at least one teacher trained to offer emotional and spiritual guidance to both students and colleagues. "Mental health must be part of our pastoral mission," he emphasised. "Our young people are searching for belonging, purpose, and hope. Let Catholic schools be places where they find all three." With the national KCSE exams approaching, Archbishop Kadima cautioned against equating academic performance with personal worth. He explained that exam malpractice often stems not from dishonesty but from emotional pressure and unrealistic societal expectations. "Support your students. Motivate them. Pray with them. Let them know their value is not based on grades, but on God's purpose for their lives," he urged. Kadima also addressed the growing influence of technology in students' lives, warning of the rising dangers of cyberbullying, digital addiction, and academic dishonesty, especially through the misuse of AI tools. He stressed the need for digital ethics, emotional discipline, and responsible tech use in the classroom. "Let us guide our children to be not only digitally literate, but morally and emotionally grounded," he said. He called for greater compassion, presence, and proactive leadership in addressing mental health and spiritual wellness in schools by principals. "You are not just administrators-you are co-creators with God," he said. "Let our schools be places where academic excellence and emotional wellness walk hand in hand."

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