AIESEC, an international community of young leaders driven by the mission of peace and human potential, organized Earthwell, an impactful event dedicated to sustainable living and holistic well-being on November 14, 2024 at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). This event brought together students and professionals to foster health, mental wellness, and environmental sustainability awareness.
The event uniquely combined a Health Expo and an Eco-Friendly Fair, creating a comprehensive platform for addressing both physical and mental well-being. The Health Expo, focused on offering accessible health information and resources through interactive sessions and workshops.
These sessions sought to educate and engage students, helping them to recognize and prioritize holistic wellness in their daily lives. Muthoni Kamau, President of AIESEC at JKUAT, skillfully moderated the panel, which hosted several distinguished speakers.
Among the panelists was Dr. Kamotho, a counseling psychologist and life coach from St. Bridget Hospital, who emphasized the importance of regular therapy, even for those who feel mentally sound.
He highlighted the need for men to support one another emotionally, citing the worrying rise in suicide cases among men. “Men need to check on each other to help one another. Always be ready to offer a listening ear to your friends; it helps,” Dr. Kamotho remarked.
Wanjiru Mugenda, a mental health activist from the Hugs Foundation and a Mental Health Advocate, handled the topic of stigmatization surrounding mental health. She noted that young people often hesitate to seek help due to fear of being seen as weak. Mugenda emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health, passionately advocating for awareness and acceptance.
Adding to the discussion, Clinical Nutritionist, Hannah Gathoni from JEMD Nutrition spoke about the societal misconception that mental health is not a “real” disease. She stressed the value of a positive mindset and urged participants to view mental health as essential to both personal and communal well-being. “Taking care of your mental health is vital because, while it affects you, it also impacts your community,” Gathoni pointed out.
Physical fitness trainer at Reyham Integrated, Ms. Ann Mugambo, said, physical fitness is not solely about appearance but also about feeling good and building resilience. She encouraged students to engage in activities they enjoy such as jogging, cycling, dancing, and walking, highlighting the importance of consistency.
In addition, Ryan Wamburu, a final-year law student, introduced the audience to AIESEC’s Exchange Program, a cross-cultural experience that enables one to develop one’s leadership potential. He spoke on the transformative experience of cultural exchange and the benefits of being an AIESEC member.