The four-day Capacity Building Program on Mental Health, organized by the Department of Health, Physical Education, Guidance and Counseling, SCERT Kashmir Division was a comprehensive and enlightening initiative that aimed to equip educators and resource persons with the knowledge and skills necessary to address mental health concerns in educational settings. The program, initially scheduled from December 26th to December 31st, 2024, faced a slight extension due to inclement weather conditions and concluded on January 2nd, 2025. The program successfully fulfilled its objectives and the inaugural session was graced by Mr. Rouf sir and Ms. Rifat Fayaz, the coordinator and assistant coordinator of the program, respectively. Both dignitaries highlighted the pressing need for mental health awareness in educational settings, emphasizing that schools are not merely institutions for academic learning but are also spaces for holistic development. The inaugural day set the tone for the program with a session by Dr. Syed Mujtabah legal Consultant who discussed the significance of understanding child rights in educational contexts, with a particular focus on mental health rights. He elaborated on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, underscoring the importance of recognizing mental health as a fundamental right. His session laid a robust foundation for the subsequent discussions, shedding light on the intersection of child rights and mental health in schools.The second session of the day was led by Dr. Amjid Ahad, who provided a detailed overview of mental health and its significance in the educational domain. He explained how a supportive and mentally healthy environment can enhance students’ academic performance and overall well-being. On December 27th, 2024, the second day of the program, the first session was conducted by Dr. Abrar Ahmad Guroor. He delved into the various factors impacting the mental health of students, including academic pressure, family dynamics, social influences, and the effects of the digital age. His session was both thought-provoking and insightful, offering practical strategies to educators for identifying and addressing these factors in their daily interactions with students.Following this, counselors from the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) conducted an engaging session that further explored the intraction of mental health challenges among students.
“Programs like CBP not only empower educators but also contribute to the holistic development of students, ensuring their well-being and success in all aspects of life. As Roshan Lal Joint Director State Council of Education Research and Trainings aptly noted in his concluding remarks, “A mentally healthy school environment is the foundation of a thriving educational system. Let us continue to work together to create spaces where every child feels valued, supported and empowered”.
The counselors shared real-life case studies and interactive activities, providing participants with a practical understanding of the issues at hand. The second session of the day was led by Masrat Majeed, who focused on stress management among students. Her session provided educators with tools and techniques to help students manage stress effectively, including mindfulness exercises, time management strategies, and the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment. The third day of the program, held on January 1st, 2025, began with a session by the renowned pedagogue Dr. Sajad Ahmad Mir, Head of the Department of ERSA, SCERT Bemina Srinagar. He discussed strategies for building resilience and coping skills among students, emphasizing that resilience is a critical skill that can help students navigate life’s challenges. The session was highly interactive, with participants sharing their experiences and seeking guidance on implementing these strategies in their schools. The second session of the day was conducted by Sajad Akbar Rather, a renowned teacher trainer from Baramulla District. He addressed the growing concern of cyber bullying and the responsible use of technology in online spaces. He provided practical tips on sensitizing students about the dangers of cyber bullying and promoting digital citizenship. His session resonated with the participants, highlighting the importance of integrating digital literacy into the school curriculum. The final day of the program, January 2nd, 2025, saw another impactful session by Dr. Sajad Ahmad Mir. He revisited the theme of building resilience and coping mechanisms, this time delving deeper into practical approaches for educators. His unparalleled expertise and engaging delivery made his sessions the highlight of the program, leaving participants equipped with actionable insights. The concluding session was marked by feedback from the participants, in the presence of Joint Director SCERT, Roshan Lal. He emphasized the significance of such programs in enhancing the capacity of educators to address mental health concerns in their schools. He appreciated the efforts of the organizers and resource persons, highlighting their role in creating a mentally healthy and supportive learning environment. Certificates were distributed among the participants, acknowledging their commitment to this noble cause. The Capacity Building Program on Mental Health was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and expertise of the resource persons and the enthusiastic participation of educators from across the districts. By addressing critical themes such as child rights, stress management, resilience building, and cyber bullying, the program equipped participants with the tools and knowledge needed to create mentally healthy and supportive educational environments. Such initiatives are essential in today’s fast-paced and challenging world, where mental health concerns among students are on the rise. Programs like CBP not only empower educators but also contribute to the holistic development of students, ensuring their well-being and success in all aspects of life. As Roshan Lal Joint Director State Council of Education Research and Trainings aptly noted in his concluding remarks, “A mentally healthy school environment is the foundation of a thriving educational system. Let us continue to work together to create spaces where every child feels valued, supported and empowered”.
(The author is a teacher. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Javeed Abdullah
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