KASAN-GAMO Project: Pushing Limits to Mental Health Awareness among Teachers, an Evaluation

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Suicide, depression, anxiety, stress, lack of motivation, and feeling of dissatisfaction are some of the issue’s teachers are facing these days. Thus, the need for mental health awareness among teacher arises and is necessary. This paper will give you a hint on how this awareness can be uplifted in schools to promote work-life balance both for teaching and non-teaching staffs through "Kalusugan Sandigan ng Galing Mo (KASAN-GAMO) Project.” In this study, its activities, implementation, and effectiveness were evaluated and will provide the readers with an outlook on how to elucidate the current concerns of teachers.

METHODS

Descriptive survey method was used by means of the CIPP model approach. Questionnaires were distributed among employees of Kaytitinga NHS, Alfonso, Cavite. Thirty-five respondents among forty-five staffs were surveyed through purposive sampling and responded to five-set areas. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were employed in analyzing the data collected.

RESULTS

The study found out that the preferences/opinion of teachers about KASAN-GAMO Project varies with their age bracket, gender, and length of their services. Thus, study shows that most of the respondents greatly agreed in the implementation of the program in terms of its objectives, program, activities, venue, time and schedule. However, further adjustments are suggested in terms of the attendance of the participants and the schedule as it has been the challenging part of the program. Activities of the program were divided into four areas: 1) Physical Fitness: Zumba/ Dancercise and Playing Sports/Games 2) Mental Wellness: Yoga, Laughter, Funny Videos, and Film Viewing 3) Spiritual Mindfulness: Sharing and Praying 4) Social Cohesiveness: Eating Fellowship, Cooking/Baking, and Travel Galore. Respondents chose Spiritual Mindfulness as their most preferred while Mental Wellness as the least. Nevertheless, the project's effectiveness and impact are greatly seen in the respondents’ physical and mental aspect of improving their work-life balance.

DISCUSSIONS

Results revealed that KASAN-GAMO Project is an effective tool in pushing limits to have mental awareness among employees. It caters their needs and secures their health through different activities. There are still limitations in the project in terms of schedules and attendance, however. For more meaningful and engaging activity, review and revisions are suggested for further studies. As seen as beneficial and purposeful, its objective is worth sharing to others.