Training held to promote children’s mental health and psychosocial well-being in schools

Senior Correspondent

NewsBits.in

RAIPUR: A three-day state-level master trainers’ training was organised at Raipur, to strengthen support for children’s mental health and psychosocial well-being in schools. It concluded on October 30.

The training was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with Samagra Shiksha, with the School Initiative for Mental Health Advocacy (SIMHA) at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) serving as the technical partner.

Mental and emotional well-being are closely linked to children’s learning, education and overall development. Early adolescence is a particularly important stage of growth, marked by significant changes, opportunities and challenges. Schools and teachers have a vital role to play in ensuring that children learn in safe, supportive and trusting environments.

Against this backdrop, the training focused on strengthening the knowledge and capacities of teachers and lecturers to support children’s mental health and psychosocial well-being, a note said.

Over the three days, participants explored ways to understand and identify children’s emotions, recognise signs of stress and introduce simple strategies to manage it.

They also learned how to identify and encourage children’s strengths and abilities, foster safe and supportive classroom environments, and connect children with appropriate support services when needed through referral mechanisms.

The training followed a participatory, activity-based approach, with group discussions, practical exercises and opportunities to share experiences.

Teachers and lecturers selected from all seven districts of the Bastar Division, as well as Dhamtari district, took part in the training. Following the programme, these master trainers will cascade the learning by training other teachers in their respective districts and supporting further school-based activities related to children’s mental health and psychosocial well-being.

The initiative is expected to help more schools across the state create safe, supportive and positive environments in which children can learn and thrive.

Koushik, Deputy Director, Samagra Shiksha, said, “Competition among children has increased significantly in recent times. Today, every child aspires to become a doctor or an engineer, which creates considerable pressure on them regarding their education and career. In this context, it is essential to ensure children’s mental well-being so that every child can shape a bright future and build a career based on their interests and abilities, without unnecessary pressure.”

Seema Kumar, Chief of UNICEF Chhattisgarh Field Office, said, “Every child should come to school feeling safe, respected and that they belong. MHPSS is a continuum of care connecting the school, family and community. In Chhattisgarh, a child’s mother tongue can be an important bridge to that sense of safety, identity and belonging.”

Ravi Raj Dayal, Education Specialist, UNICEF Chhattisgarh, said, “Improving learning outcomes must go hand in hand with supporting children’s mental and emotional well-being. Our schools can be much more than places of learning. They can be spaces of safety, stability and support. Strengthening teachers’ capacity in mental health and psychosocial support is an important step towards ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.”