To address the growing mental health challenges among students, over 185 educators are taking part in a three-day workshop. The training is designed to equip them to identify and respond to mental health challenges in schools. Organised by the PEMA Secretariat and the education ministry, the workshop is currently being held in the capital for the western region. It will soon be rolled out to the eastern and central regions.
The workshop is bringing together district education officers, thromde education officers, principals, school counsellors, and wellbeing focal teachers from eight districts and two thromdes in the west.
“Her Majesty highlighted the critical role of the school authorities in safeguarding the mental health and well-being of our children in schools. So, accordingly, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, The PEMA Secretariat is conducting this three-day workshop in three regions with the objectives to safeguard and promote mental health in the schools,” said Sonam Jamtsho, Deputy Chief Programme Officer, The PEMA Secretariat.
“So we are trying to implement a holistic approach and bring in all the stakeholders that we call frontliners in our education system. So, with such a programme, they will be equipped with the idea of how it happens, what interventions they can take, and what ideas they can incorporate. Especially on how the schools and the other necessary sectors would come together to curb such issues,” said Karma Wangchuk, Chief Programme Officer, MoESD.
Participants shared that the workshop has provided them with valuable insights and practical ways to improve mental health support in their schools.
“It is definitely going to help schools to better deal with the mental health issues in the schools. And not just the mental health issues, in fact, we also have other various programmes that pertain to students’ well-being. Through this discussion, we are now aware of the various programmes and the strategies that we need to put in place in the school,” said Yesh Bdr. Ghaley, Principal, Yangchenphug HSS.
“This three-day workshop also really emphasised the importance of mental health, not just for our children, but also for our teachers, as we got a session on mental health for teachers, and that’s equally as important. As frontline workers, it is very important that we also prioritise self-care so that we can give the best to our children,” said Deki Choden Yezer, School Counsellor, Kuzhugchen MSS.
The PEMA Secretariat said they will train 365 participants across all districts in the country.
With the training planned for every region, the initiative marks a crucial step towards creating safer, healthier, and more supportive school environments across the country.
Singye Dema
Edited by Sonam Pem
