Languages: 
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Metro Residence at the Buffalo City Campus has initiated a programme to raise awareness on mental health issues amongst students through various interactive activities.
The initiatives included movie and game nights, welcoming parties, free gym, refreshments and an opportunity for students to engage with their peers to ease their day-to-day troubles.
This is in line with the WSU Student Affairs Department programme of taking significant steps towards inclusivity with a comprehensive programme designed to support students.
WSU Metro residence’s Facility Supervisor, Charlotte Majiza said the initiative aimed to alleviate stresses that students face.
“The students sometimes get restricted in their rooms, we just want them to have fun and forget about their problems, and things they are stressed about,” she said.
She added that some students come in drunk and the initiative is trying to get them out of trouble and lastly they are our clients and it is our role to make them happy.
Grateful for the initiative, Nomalungisa Blaauw said the activities offered at their residence were amazing.
“I’m very much grateful for these activities offered at our residence, I enjoyed the amazing movie nights and free gym sessions as a fantastic way to unwind and connect with fellow students who shares similar interests,” she said.
Sharing the same sentiments, Mihlali Matebese, said the movie nights did not only allow her to make friends, but gained some people that she wished to keep for a lifetime.
“Having gym partners that were once strangers has been beautiful and now I can include them as part of my family,” she said.
She added that she was grateful to WSU management for the initiative as many students battle with mental health issues.
This initiative is one of the many started by the department in line with WSU’s principle of Ubuntu.
By Kwanele Ntaba (Intern)
