Maseru, Sept. 21 – September marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and Machabeng College has stepped boldly into the spotlight with a youth-led campaign confronting one of the nation’s most pressing challenges, suicide among young people.
In an inspiring display of activism, students from Machabeng took their message beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community. Their campaign, which spilled onto the busy streets of Pioneer Mall, was aimed at raising awareness, breaking stigma, and encouraging youth to seek help before it is too late.
Mabote Letebele, one of the student leaders behind the initiative, stressed the urgency of addressing the issue: “We felt it was important to be out here, talking to our peers. Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29. We cannot stay silent.”
Thato Sethathi, emphasised that peer support is often the missing link in the fight against youth suicide: “Helping one another is a priority at Machabeng. Many young people are struggling but do not seek help because of stigma. Instead, they turn to drugs and alcohol to cope.”…
KP/BM
