My headline project is to get students into therapy.
There are two factors that affects students getting into therapy.
1. Lack of funds: Students in federal universities barely have enough monthly allowance to take them over the month. For those who are enlightened about their mental health and need therapy may not even be able to afford one as therapy is relatively expensive. I had attempted starting an organization that funds students therapy, and the list amount I got was 7,500 naira per session. Some students get less than 7,500 as monthly allowance.
2. Therapists: Access to licensed and certified therapy seems a bit difficult. During my time of research of finding certified therapists in Ilorin. We found one legit one, another who has a certificate but he was more concerned if the student can pay his money more than the mental health of the student, and one who took an online course and paraded himself as certified.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
1. Therapists: It will be a walk in the right direction if this fellowship can connect students to therapists, most especially physically. I have found a therapist for a student once. After few sessions, the students preferred a physical therapist.
2. Physical & Online Community: It will be a great comfort when students suffering from mental health issues realize that they aren't the only one in this. Having people who can so much relate to their struggles that they feel like they belong will also help them to show up.
3. PR campaigns and Strategies: In Nigeria, saying you suffer from mental health issues is still largely considered foreign and seen as shameful. Necessary campaigns to change this narrative will be a great way to go. It will help students be more willing to come out, and this, without being shamed.
4. Funds: Therapy is expensive. If this fellowship caters for the service and logistics of this therapists that will come in physically, students will show up willingly.