Debating the Connection: Environmental Conservation as Mental Health Care at Musiitwa Seed Secondary School

How PurpleMinds Foundation, Right Arm Uganda and Reach A Hand Africa are empowering students to see the link between a healthy planet and a healthy mind.

SSENEGNDO HASSAN

7/7/20262 min read

On 3rd - JULY, 2026, PurpleMinds Foundation, in partnership with Right Arm Uganda and Reach A Hand Africa (RAHU) , visited Musiitwa Seed Secondary School in Bukamba Village, Kayunga, for a full-day outreach focused on mental health and environmental conservation.

The day was filled with debate, peer learning, and honest conversation – proof that young people are ready to talk about the issues that matter most.

The Debate: Environmental Conservation as Mental Health Care

Students engaged in a lively debate on the motion: "This House believes that environmental conservation is a form of mental health care."

Both sides presented compelling arguments:

Proposers argued that caring for the environment reduces eco-anxiety, provides a sense of purpose, and creates spaces for peace and healing.
Opposition argued that while environmental conservation is important, mental health care requires direct interventions like counselling, therapy, and peer support.

In the end, the proposers won – but the real victory was the dialogue itself. Students demonstrated critical thinking, public speaking, and a deep understanding of the Climate-Mind Nexus.

"When we care for the planet, we are also caring for our own minds." – Student, Musiitwa Seed SS

Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Sessions with RAHU

Reach A Hand Africa's peer educators, led by Shamim , facilitated group sessions where students discussed mental health in small groups. Peer-to-peer learning created a safe space for students to share, ask questions, and support each other.

"Talking to someone my age made it easier to open up. I felt heard." – Student, Musiitwa Seed SS

Thank you to RAHU for bringing their expertise and energy to the day.

The Founder's Message – A Simple Tool for Stress Relief

Our Founder, Ssengendo Hassan (Dexta) , shared a simple but powerful technique to help students manage stress and depression: the breath in and breath out method.

He taught students to:

Breathe in deeply for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds
Breathe out slowly for 4 seconds

"Sometimes, the most powerful tool we have is already within us. When stress feels overwhelming, pause. Breathe. You are still here. You are still strong." – Ssengendo Hassan

Q&A Session – Students Speak Out

After the sessions, students had many questions about mental health – a sign that these conversations are needed now more than ever.

Questions included:

"How do I know if I need help?"
"What do I do if a friend is struggling?"
"How can I cope with stress without feeling ashamed?"

The curiosity and openness of the students gave us hope for the future.

Gratitude

We extend our deepest thanks to:

Hajati Laila Mbabazi – Headteacher, Musiitwa Seed SS, for her warm welcome and commendation
The Head of English Language – for encouraging us to continue running debates in the school
Reach A Hand Africa – for their peer sessions and partnership
The students – for their engagement, curiosity, and courage
The teachers and administration – for their support

"PurpleMinds, you have done a good job. We appreciate you and look forward to more of this." – Hajati Laila Mbabazi, Headteacher