Maseno University Advances Mental Health Support for Student Mothers with Backing from EU Erasmus+ Program
On 2nd September 2025, Maseno University welcomed Dr. Rick Wolthusen, Supervisor of the EU-funded Erasmus+ Mental Health Program, for an official visit to assess progress on the University’s project titled “Psychological Well-being of Student Mothers at Maseno University.” Dr. Wolthusen was received by Prof. Rose Anyango O. Ongati, Director of Linkages, Outreach, and Consultancies, alongside faculty members Prof. Paul Obura, Prof. Erick Kabuka, Dr. Quinter Migunde, and Mr. Jactone Kweya Opande, Dean of Students. The meeting included students from the Department of Educational Psychology, some of whom had participated in a collaborative exchange with the Technical University of Germany, a key Erasmus+ partner.
The project focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by student mothers, including emotional stress, financial hardship, academic pressure, and social stigma. These factors negatively impact their academic performance and overall well-being. The initiative is part of the broader Erasmus+ goal to strengthen mental health support systems in higher education institutions globally.
To respond to these needs, Maseno University has proposed a range of interventions, including the creation of a Mama Hub Centre, a digital support platform, as well as enhanced on-campus counseling services, peer mentorship programs, anti-stigma campaigns, and flexible academic support. These measures aim to ensure student mothers can succeed both academically and personally.
Way forward:
- Continue collaboration between the institutions with follow up research exchange programand workshops
- Implementation of Findings: Pilot interventions such as flexible study schedules, on-campus childcare or counseling programs.
- Policy recommendation: Share findings with university leadership to advocate for policies that support student mothers’ mental health and academic success.
- Funding and resource mobilization.
Prof. Regina Nyunja, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Partnership, Research and Innovation, Maseno University pledged full administrative support and was tasked with overseeing the rollout of the proposed solutions. Dr. Wolthusen praised the university’s efforts and reaffirmed Erasmus+’s commitment to supporting inclusive, scalable mental health initiatives across partner institutions in Africa and Europe.
