Kindness that reached beyond the event

At the Pocket Post Office, students wrote encouraging messages to friends and classmates, and campus administrative staff delivered envelopes to their intended recipients. The station recorded 35 visits and 27 handwritten kindness notes; 11 notes were collected during the activity.

The unexpected messages brought heartfelt reactions. One recipient said, “Oh my…! Thanks, this was never expected. This means a lot.” Another responded, “What… oh! I feel less alone.” The responses showed how a small, thoughtful gesture could make someone feel remembered and supported.

What the contributions revealed

At the Same Here Wall, participants placed coloured hearts beside four statements about ordinary experiences. “Sometimes I need quiet” received the most responses, reinforcing the interest shown in quiet, comfortable spaces. The result reflects those who took part, rather than a campus-wide survey.

The Tree of Small Things displayed messages written on natural leaves, including “Healing takes time” and “Your feelings are valid.” The Tiny Joy Exchange gathered humour, encouragement and reminders about self-kindness. At Make Your Mood Studio, 16 mood cards were created and displayed with permission from 33 recorded visits. A participant also noticed that sad emotions were missing from the available emoji designs, a useful reminder to make space for difficult feelings as well as positive ones.

The Benches That Listen recorded 13 written contributions reflecting on happiness, relationships and personal experiences.

From experience to improvement

The programme was delivered through the efforts of academic, administrative, nursing, library, IT, support and security staff, with the involvement of MNU Students’ Union Dhondheeni. Participants’ contributions and requests provide practical direction for future wellbeing initiatives, particularly in designing spaces that accommodate different needs.

The initiative supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), and aligns with MNU’s priorities of fostering a conducive work and learning environment and strengthening student-centered excellence. Its lasting value lies in the voices heard and the opportunities identified for improving everyday campus life.