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Mental health programme in schools

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

A novel approach towards upgrading mental health among school children has been initiated. This specially caters to improving self-esteem, the lack of which mostly contribute to violence among schoolchildren.

This new initiative taken by the Psychiatric Unit of the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital is now being implemented in the Homagama Education Division as a pilot project and will be extended islandwide later. "The programme helps children to cope with stressful situations sharing positive life experiences, exerting less school pressure," a medical officer attached to the unit told Daily News adding that by communicating in a positive way with children would be beneficial.

It has been revealed that poor self-esteem leads to violence among children and adolescents. The period of transition from childhood to adolescence is always a turbulent one. "Proper supportive help and an adequate buffer mechanism are needed to handle this transformation crisis effectively," he added. The programme named "Vinivida" is implemented under the guidance of Prof. Samudra Katriarachchi by a team led by Programme Director Dr. N. Kumaranayake.

The programme envisages making the school a healthy place through better development of school activities for greater inter-personal relationships. "Preventing harmful behaviour would promote better interaction amongst students and teachers," he added.

The Officer noted the importance of having regular parent-teacher interactions to discuss the development of a child's personality.

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