Nomfundo Mogapi, ALI fellow from Class XII: Isilimela and CEO at the Centre for Mental Wellness and Leadership, shares the findings of the centre’s study on the mental health impact of COVID19 on education. Covid restrictions may have been lifted, but the psychological scars obtained in that period, are still impacting our learners. A decrease in social skills as a result of isolation during lockdown is reported, as well as an increase in bullying and conflict after learners’ return to full classes with increased numbers. Increased stress, anxiety and fear amongst teachers and pupils are also noted.
In Partnership with Old Mutual Foundations, Mogapi’s organisation helped launch the new 21ActsofGoodness (originating in 2020) to support the Matric Class of 2023.
After working with over 3,000 matriculants across South Africa in the past two years and conducting a rapid survey with 418 of them on the mental health impacts of COVID-19, it was an honour for the Centre for Mental Wellness and Leadership to participate in the launch of the 21ActsofGoodness for 2023 with Old Mutual Foundations. We are ready to support the Class of 2023! We would also like to share the findings from our survey.
What we found from our study:
- The mental health effects of COVID19 is still affecting academic performance
- 11% of the matriculants reported feeling suicidal
- 64% reported an increase in stress and anxiety
- Over 54% indicated that their symptoms have worsened
COVID19 restrictions may have been lifted but the psychological scars (caused by complicated grief, family conflict and increased school bullying etc.) are still impacting our scholars. We are pleading with those working in the Education sector to continue prioritising Mental Health as a critical component of ensuring successful educational outcomes.
Rikky Minyuku (process facilitator, systemic change agent and writer) commented on Mogapi’s findings at the Centre for Mental Wellness and Leadership, saying the results were noteworthy. “In our work with selected public school leadership in the last year at +9Futures, school managers reported a decrease in social skills because of isolation during lockdowns and an increase in bullying and conflict after full return because class numbers increased once more. They also reported increased stress, anxiety and fear amongst teachers who are not equipped to support learners. An effective response from the education system requires understanding all the contributing factors and addressing the systemic, support and skills deficits.”
More about 21ActsOfGoodness 2023
The constraints of the pandemic have wreaked havoc in education and added to the challenges that usually signify a matric year – late nights studying and cramming and all the worries about what next. Despite enormous efforts by teachers and pupils to stay on top of their learning since COVID19 struck, the pandemic has caused longterm uncertainty and anxiety. The 2023 campaign of Old Mutual’s #21ActsOfGoodness aims to address the impact that the COVID years has had on our current matrics and will focus on service, volunteerism and active citizenship.
