Fourth-year Business Studies student at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) Atusaye Lazarus has invented Lightwave Mental Health Support.
This is an initiative that provides free mental health counselling services to contain depression.
Lazarus, a graphic designer and teacher by profession, drew inspiration from his passion for mental health and personal experiences.
“For a long time, people confided in me about their struggles and I realised I could make a difference,” he said.
Initially, launched as Speak Up Malawi in 2023, the initiative transitioned to Lightwave Mental Health Support to reflect its mission and vision.
Based at MUBAS in Blantyre, Lightwave aims at expanding its reach beyond the university.
Lazarus’s goal is to provide accessible, free mental health counselling services, promoting emotional well-being and resilience in the community.
To date, Lightwave has helped over 100 individuals through free counselling services and successfully launched its presence at MUBAS.
“Depression is a growing concern, and we want to bridge the gap in mental health care, Lightwave Mental Health Support is committed to making a difference,” emphasized Lazarus.
Meanwhile, mental health expert Dr. Chioza Bandawe has described Lightwave Mental Health Support as a timely intervention, as there are very few initiatives tackling mental health issues in Malawi.
“What is remarkable is that, as students themselves, they can easily relate to their peers, making it easier for students to open up about their struggles,” he said.
Lightwave’s future plans include registering as an NGO, expanding services, and collaborating with experts for specialized support.
“We are a team of 8 members. Currently, we are self-funded through selling branded t-shirts and golf-shirts, graphic designing services, and we are seeking sponsorship,” said Lazarus.
