Launch of mental health and human capital promotion activities at Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis
To mark World Mental Health Day, celebrated on 10 October, the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Senegal took part in the launch of mental health and human capital promotion activities at Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis on 9 and 10 October 2025.
An event ahead of World Mental Health Day
On 9 and 10 October 2025, Gaston Berger University (UGB) in Saint-Louis hosted the official launch of mental health and human capital promotion activities. The event, held ahead of World Mental Health Day, which the United Nations celebrates every year on 10 October, was supported by the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Senegal.
The initiative aims to foster a better understanding of mental health issues within the university community and to strengthen the capacity of those providing psycho-educational support.
The UFR-SEFS Mental Health Unit: a service for students
The Mental Health Unit of the Faculty of Education, Training and Sport Sciences (UFR-SEFS) is a key service at Gaston Berger University. Its work focuses on three areas:
- Promoting the psychological well-being of students and university staff
- Preventing psychosocial risks in the academic environment
- Providing psycho-educational support to the whole university community
Faced with growing challenges in young people’s mental health, the unit urgently needs to strengthen its capacity to respond effectively to requests for support.
Clear objectives for better care
The two days of activities brought university stakeholders together around shared objectives:
- Raise awareness in the university community of the importance of mental health
- Create synergy between the various actors involved in supporting students
- Strengthen the practical skills of those providing psychological care
- Break taboos around mental health in the academic environment
ECOWAS's commitment to young people
The participation of the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Senegal in this event reflects the Community’s commitment to the well-being of West African youth. Mental health is a major development issue, particularly for young people in education, who represent the region’s future.
This initiative followed the previous day’s visit to the Regional Universal Health Coverage Agency (SEN-CSU) in Saint-Louis, confirming the particular attention ECOWAS pays to health issues in Senegal.
World Mental Health Day
Celebrated every year on 10 October, World Mental Health Day is a United Nations initiative to raise public awareness of mental health issues and mobilise efforts to promote psychological well-being. In 2025, the day was an opportunity to recall that mental health is a fundamental right for all.
“Mental health is an essential pillar of human capital development. ECOWAS stands alongside universities to ensure the well-being of our young people, the driving force of regional integration.”