The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) conducted a session on “Supporting Students’ Mental Wellbeing” for teachers at HA. Hoarafushi School on 12 September 2024.

The session was delivered by Dr. Aishath Shanoora and Mariyam Ifshan, providing teachers with an opportunity to strengthen their awareness and capacity to recognise and respond to students’ mental health needs.

The session focused on the importance of creating supportive school environments where students can discuss concerns and access appropriate assistance. Teachers were provided with knowledge relevant to identifying potential mental health concerns, offering appropriate initial support and recognising when referral to professional services may be needed.

As educators interact with students regularly, strengthening their understanding of mental wellbeing can support earlier recognition of concerns and facilitate appropriate pathways to support. The session also highlighted the role that schools can play in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing among young people.

The initiative provided an opportunity to connect FHS expertise with the needs of the school community and strengthened collaboration between The Maldives National University (MNU) and Hoarafushi School.

Community-based professional development initiatives such as this reflect FHS’s commitment to extending health education beyond the university and supporting capacity building among professionals who work directly with children and adolescents.

The session contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through its focus on student mental health, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through professional learning for educators, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between MNU and Hoarafushi School.