Fathimath Nahla from the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), facilitated a three-day mental health awareness programme alongside two staff members from the Centre for Mental Health (CMH) in observance of World Mental Health Day 2026. Organised by Fuvahmulah City Council, the programme reached 300 participants, including school-going adolescents, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) members, members of the general public, and City Council staff.

The programme focused on strengthening mental health awareness and promoting practical approaches to emotional wellbeing across schools, families, workplaces, and the wider community. The sessions covered emotional wellbeing, stress management, healthy coping strategies, effective communication, and workplace mental health. Participants were equipped with practical knowledge and skills to manage everyday stress, communicate effectively, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and contribute to supportive environments that promote mental wellbeing.

The programme strengthened participants’ awareness of mental health and provided practical strategies to manage stress, communicate effectively, and promote emotional wellbeing across schools, families, workplaces, and the wider community. It also fostered community engagement in mental health promotion by bringing together adolescents, parents, community members, and City Council staff to address mental wellbeing across different settings. By extending mental health education beyond the university environment, the initiative supported the development of a more informed and supportive community.

The initiative reflects MNU’s commitment to community engagement, public health education, and the application of professional expertise to address community needs. The collaboration between the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Centre for Mental Health, and Fuvahmulah City Council demonstrates the value of partnerships in expanding access to mental health education and promoting wellbeing among diverse population groups.

The programme contributed to the following SDGs:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Promoted mental health awareness, emotional wellbeing, stress management, and healthy coping strategies.

SDG 4 – Quality Education: Provided educational opportunities to strengthen mental health knowledge and practical life skills among adolescents and community members.

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Addressed workplace mental health and encouraged awareness of emotional wellbeing in professional environments.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Demonstrated collaboration between MNU’s Faculty of Health Sciences, the Centre for Mental Health, and Fuvahmulah City Council to advance community mental health promotion.

Through this initiative, the Faculty of Health Sciences reaffirms its commitment to promoting mental wellbeing, strengthening community partnerships, and contributing to sustainable health and education outcomes across the Maldives.