INTRODUCTION
Did you know 1 in 7 young people worldwide face mental health challenges? (WHO) Insert link. It’s a shocking fact, and even more concerning that many of these students go through it alone, without speaking up. In schools across Cameroon, many students face overwhelming stress and emotional struggles with no safe spaces to turn to for help. But we’re changing that!
At Lifafa Research Foundation, we launched the Mental Health Club Initiative to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and build supportive school communities where mental well-being is a priority.

Why Mental Health Clubs Matter
Simply put, mental health is just as important as physical health, particularly for young people juggling pressures inside and outside the classroom.
Our Mental Health Club Initiative is changing that by:
- Raising awareness and reducing stigma: Normalizing mental health conversations helps students speak up and seek support.
- Empowering students with tools for resilience: Clubs teach stress management strategies, like breathing exercises and peer support activities.
- Creating safe spaces for connection: Students can open up and find understanding among peers.

Real Stories, Real Impact
The Mental Health Clubs are already changing lives:
- Emma, Government Bilingual High School: “The club gave me a safe space to talk about my feelings and connect with others who understand me.”
- David, Bokwaongo Bilingual Grammar School: “At first, I was hesitant to join, but it’s been a game-changer. I’ve learned so much about mental health and self-care.”
Our Impact So Far
In just a short time, we have achieved:
- 300+ students joined as members and ambassadors.
- 5 schools were reached with mental health awareness programs.
- 1,500+ peers impacted through student-led awareness efforts.
- A 25% increase in students seeking help for mental health concerns.

Overcoming Challenges & Lessons Learned
We faced some obstacles along the way:
- Timing conflicts: Club activities sometimes clash with class schedules.
- Solution: We’re coordinating with schools to hold sessions during free periods or after school.
- Limited resources: We had to get creative to deliver impactful activities.
- Lesson: Small steps, like open conversations, can create big changes.
Key Takeaways:
- Collaboration is essential: Strong partnerships with schools and stakeholders drive success.
- Consistency matters: Ongoing support keeps the momentum alive.
- Every action counts: Even small discussions about mental health can spark change.

What’s Next?
We are committed to growing the Mental Health Club Initiative to make an even bigger impact. Our next steps include:
- Expand the initiative to more schools across Cameroon by 2025.
- Providing ongoing training and resources to student leaders.
- Partnering with schools, communities, and organizations to sustain awareness and support programs.

Join the Movement
You can help transform the way mental health is addressed in schools. Here is how:
- Donate: Support our programs and help us reach more students.
- Partner with us: Bring mental health awareness to your school or community.
- Share your story: Use your voice to inspire others and break the stigma.

Conclusion
The Mental Health Club Initiative is not just a program, it’s a movement. It’s a powerful declaration that mental health matters, that every student deserves a safe space, and that together, we can create healthier, more compassionate school communities. At Lifafa Research Foundation, we believe mental health awareness is the foundation for a brighter future. With your support, we can expand our reach, deepen our impact, and ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and supported. Let’s break the silence. Let’s shatter the stigma. Together, we can build stronger minds and a healthier future for all.
