Srinagar |: The Department of Social Work at the University of Kashmir on Wednesday organized a two-day Master Training Workshop aimed at enhancing teachers’ roles in addressing substance abuse, suicide prevention, and overall youth well-being in Kashmir.
The initiative involved selected faculty members from higher secondary schools and colleges, equipping them as frontline responders to support students’ mental health. The workshop was informed by an ICMR research project focused on primary prevention interventions for youth, led by Dr. Aadil Bashir, the Principal Investigator. A key outcome of the workshop was the development of a practical manual titled “Wal Sukoon Chandaw” (Come let’s find peace), which provides teachers with structured tools and strategies to guide young people towards healthier coping mechanisms and resilience.
In her message Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan emphasized the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to foster a safer academic environment, reflecting the university’s commitment to addressing social issues through research-based interventions. In his inaugural address Dr. Majid Zaman, Controller of Examinations, underscored the urgent need to tackle mental health challenges among youth, highlighting teachers’ roles as not only academic guides but also as protectors of students’ emotional and psychological well-being. Prof. Shazia Manzoor, Head of the Department of Social Work, stressed the collective responsibility of teachers, parents, and the community in providing early support for youth mental health. The workshop included technical sessions focused on experiential learning for stress management, role plays for classroom interventions, group activities to foster peer support, and training modules on risk assessment. These sessions aimed to translate the manual’s content into practical strategies that teachers can implement in their classrooms, ultimately enhancing the support system for students’ mental health. Dr. Aadil Bashir also presented an e-manual to ensure broader accessibility for schools and colleges.
