Health Update: Mini Mental Health Open Day Promotes Student Wellness at UB – What Experts Say

In a continuous effort to promote student wellness and strengthen mental health awareness on campus, the University of Botswana Medical Clinic hosted a Mini Mental Health Open Day on the 26th of March 2026. The event brought together students and support services in an engaging and interactive environment aimed at fostering self-awareness, emotional expression and healthy coping mechanisms.

The open day featured a variety of wellness stations, each designed to address different aspects of mental wellbeing. Among them was the Anonymous Mood Check which allowed students to privately reflect on their emotional state and the Mental Health Board where participants shared coping strategies and practical tips for managing stress. The Mirror of Affirmations encouraged positive self-talk and self-acceptance while the Relaxation Techniques Station introduced simple methods students could incorporate into their daily routines to reduce stress.

In addition to mental health-focused activities, the UB Medical Clinic offered Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) screenings. The initiative highlighted the important connection between physical health, emotional wellbeing and academic success, reinforcing the clinic’s all-inclusive approach to student health.

Health Buddies, a club within UB aimed at promoting mental health wellness, played a key role in the success of the event by fostering peer support, encouraging participation and helping create a safe and welcoming space for open conversations around mental health and wellbeing.

The event was further enriched by the presence of the Careers and Counselling Centre which provided valuable information on career development and psychosocial support services available to students. Their offerings include career guidance as well as emotional support for a wide range of challenges such as substance abuse, gambling addiction, stress and depression, anger management, grief, adjustment difficulties, crisis situations, childhood trauma and anxiety.

The Mini Mental Health Open Day also served as a precursor to the University’s main Mental Health Awareness event which is commemorated annually in October.