Theme: Mental Health in the student workspace

In the spirit of Prof. Saks, "Humanity we share is more important than mental illnesses we don't". Our agenda is to make great ideas accessible and spark conversation on the importance of understanding mental disorders and illnesses. This will desensitise the youth on the issues of mental health. Moreover, bring to light the concurrent mental stress that affects the mental well-being of a student such as work-life balance, personal relationships, debt etc.

It is certainly good news that mental health is finally becoming part of the development conversation as Sitawa Wafula says. It is important that the university have conversations on the role of mental health in the socioeconomic well-being of young professionals.

Click additional link for Google maps directions to venue

Ufungamano, Journey University of Nairobi
Kivemia Rd, Nairobi
https://goo.gl/maps/zLioT4aU1Uq
Nairobi, Nairobi, 00100
Kenya

Abubakkar Majid

Playwright & spoken word artist

Playwright and spoken word artist who goes by the stage name "Abu Sense". Known for his work dubbed "Too early for birds".

Brian Ngure Kariuki

Research assistant, WHO reproductive health department, Geneva

Final year medical student, University of Nairobi. He is an intern at the Annals of African surgery (AAS) and a research assistant in several World Health Organization (WHO). He is keen on teaching, research and publication in Anatomy and related medical fields. He is interested in Neurosurgery, Global health, research, technology and innovation in medicine. He is an avid motorcycle rider and part of the Blade Doc Racing Team®. Brian's talk dubbed "Outside the Classroom" seeks to inform us on why students should engage in activities outside book work and provides an algorithm on how to do so

Bryan Ngatia

Performer

I am a writer and performing artist. Co-founder, co-writer and cast member of Too Early For Birds.

Eric (Rixpoet) Onyango

Poet

Poet - mostly around social justice, feminism & spirituality Co-founder, Fatuma's Voice Digital Communications Expert, Social Media Specialization Writes to break silences and build better relationships Mental Health Ambassador

Floria Mmboga Nyandaya

Medical student

I'm currently a medical student who has gone through mental illness and I am overcoming. It's good, to be honest about who we are such that we encourage others to know they are never alone and what they face should never define them. In the end, we'll help fight the stigma associated with mental health.

Grace Kinuthia

Psychologist

Diploma in criminology and social order BA psychology/Armed conflict& peace studies Work Interned in the probation department Kikuyu Investigation department city hall. Also got experience with different NGOs. Currently an event curator and moderator. Co-founder of platinum events. Founder of Mental Health Matters

Mandela Mwangi

Medical student

Startup Founder - Director, Research and Data Science Enthusiast Global MINDS Fellow Undergraduate medical student (5th Year) Mandela will give a talk on how Technology can be incorporated into the mental health space and how it can be used to improve mental health among employees in the workspace.

Marie-Claire Wangari

Medical Student

Level VI MBChB Student, University of Nairobi. Founder, Speak it out Mental health campaign and principal investigator of the MedLife survey that evaluated the levels of stress, burnout& substance abuse amongst medical students in Kenya with a focus on the University of Nairobi. 2016/17 Medical Students' Associations of Kenya (MSAKE) President 2016/17 International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) Development Assistant for the Africa Region I will be speaking about: Speak It Out - MedLife results and the stigma that Mental health causes amongst medical students.

Sunaina Bains

Dental student

I am a dental student and class representative at the University of Nairobi. Having recently completed my third year, I am undertaking a voluntary position at the Faraja Cancer Support Centre. During my time here and from personal experience I have gained an understanding of the role of positivity and mind power in our physical and mental well being. Not many people understand this and I have made it my personal mission to spread the word. Being a sharp speaker, I have the ability to connect with those listening to me and hopefully help change the lives of many in the community. I would like to speak about cancer and mind power. Our mind is a powerful and crucial thing that we have control over, to heal ourselves. The mind and body connection are incredible and not many people know how important a positive mindset is in order to live a happy and healthy life.

Tracey Njoroge

Industrial Chemistry Student

Student. Currently pursuing my first degree in Industrial Chemistry. An active participant in MUN recently participated in Sub Saharan MUN and won the best delegate during the mock debate. Passion is a word that is overlooked at by variables such as age and where life has driven someone just to name a few. However, I can openly say that I'm passionate about speaking and especially because of the topic at hand. Mental illness is something many people are embarrassed to talk about and I feel as though if I a young University student will hopefully have the chance to speak on it, some difference would have been made even if it's in the smallest way possible.

Zawadi Nyong'o

Self-care Couch

Zawadi Nyong’o is a self-care coach and the Founder and Creative Director of ZeroByZawadi, an African Yoga-Inspired Social Enterprise. She is a feminist with over sixteen years of experience working with the African and global women’s rights movements. She is the author of “When I Dare To Be Powerful” a collection of short stories by sex workers in East Africa. As a digital strategist who has been recognized as one of Kenya’s most influential women online, she leverages her non-profit experience, creativity and communication skills to advance change. Zawadi is passionate about freedom and justice, and currently advocates for self-care as a tool for sustaining activism and wellbeing.