Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made an impactful visit to Nigeria last month, where they engaged in a mental health summit at Lightway Academy. This summit, organized in partnership with the GEANCO Foundation, focused on equipping teenagers with tools to manage their emotions. GEANCO, a Los Angeles-based organization, is committed to supporting education and healthcare in Nigeria.
During the summit, Harry shared personal struggles with mental health, encouraging students to open up about their own feelings. Afam Onyema, CEO of GEANCO, highlighted the students’ enthusiasm for learning more about mental health in response to Harry and Meghan’s involvement.
The royal couple’s collaboration with GEANCO began in 2023 with support for menstrual hygiene education and supplies for girls in Nigeria. Building on this initiative, Archewell Foundation proposed a mental health program for all genders. GEANCO developed a two-day curriculum with input from a licensed psychiatrist and psychologists.
While their primary focus in Nigeria was supporting wounded veterans and promoting the Invictus Games, Meghan and Harry also spent a day with students at Lightway Academy. They delivered speeches touching on topics such as friendship and making connections, aligning with the curriculum’s themes.
The program aims to create lasting impact beyond the royal visit. Meghan and Harry are committed to ongoing involvement, seeking to make mental health support a significant part of their philanthropic work.
According to Onyema, the summit ignited a passion for change among students at Lightway Academy. Their continued engagement reflects the enduring impact of the royal couple’s visit and the importance of ongoing efforts to support mental health education.
In conclusion, Meghan and Harry’s partnership with GEANCO exemplifies their dedication to making a meaningful difference in Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors, particularly concerning mental health awareness among teenagers.
