The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) conducted a stress management session for students at HA. Hoarafushi School on 12 September 2024, as part of its community-focused mental health and wellbeing initiatives.

The session was facilitated by Dr. Aishath Shanoora and Mariyam Ifshan, and focused on helping students understand stress and develop practical strategies for managing it effectively.

Through the session, students were encouraged to recognise common sources and experiences of stress and consider healthy ways of coping with challenging situations. The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining emotional wellbeing and developing resilience, particularly when navigating academic, social and personal pressures.

Providing students with practical mental health knowledge can support them in identifying stress early and making healthier choices in response to difficult experiences. The session also contributed to creating greater awareness of the importance of seeking appropriate support when stress becomes difficult to manage independently.

The initiative provided an opportunity for FHS to share its expertise directly with the school community while strengthening collaboration between The Maldives National University (MNU) and HA. Hoarafushi School. Such engagement supports the integration of mental health and wellbeing promotion within educational settings and complements the role of schools in supporting students’ overall development.

The session contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through its focus on students’ emotional wellbeing and healthy coping; SDG 4 (Quality Education) by supporting learners’ wellbeing and capacity to engage in education; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between MNU and the school community.