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Teddy’s Story

Supporting students mental health

Teddy, a dedicated teacher at a primary school in Kampala, had always prided herself on being approachable to her students. Her vibrant personality and warm smile made her a favorite among the children. Yet, despite her efforts, she often sensed that some of her students were holding back, struggling with issues they couldn’t put into words.  


One day, during a staff meeting, the headteacher shared alarming statistics about the rising cases of anxiety and depression among school-aged children. This struck a chord with Teddy, who had recently noticed one of her brightest students withdrawing from class discussions and struggling to keep up with assignments.  
It was around this time that Twogere stepped in. Through our Mental Health First Aid training, Teddy gained the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful difference.  


The training was a revelation. Teddy learned to recognize behavioral changes that might signal mental health struggles, understand how to approach sensitive conversations, and gain the confidence to connect students with the right resources.  

"I thought I was doing enough by being a kind and understanding teacher, but I realized there’s so much more to it,” Teddy shared. “The training gave me the tools to see beyond the surface and really support my students.”  

 

After completing the program, Teddy introduced initiatives such as class discussions about mental health and a simple “Feelings Box,” where students could anonymously share their concerns. This safe space allowed students to open up without fear of judgment.  


One student, a young girl named Amina, began writing notes about her struggles with her parents’ divorce. The notes revealed that Amina felt unsupported at home and overwhelmed by her emotions. Using the techniques she had learned from Twogere’s training, Teddy approached Amina gently, listened to her, and encouraged her to talk to the school counselor.  

"Seeing Amina smile again in class was the greatest reward,” Teddy said with pride. “She’s more engaged and confident now, and I feel like I played a small part in helping her find her balance.”  

Thanks to Twogere’s intervention, Teddy has become a champion for mental health awareness at her school. She collaborates with colleagues to ensure every child feels seen, heard, and supported, creating an environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally.  

"I’ve learned that mental health is just as important as academics,” she said. “Twogere gave me the skills to support my students in ways I never thought possible. Together, we’re making a real difference.”  
 

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