Bajhang: Mental Health in Schools

Project Title: Moments of Hope: Mental Health Awareness in Bajhang

Collaborating Organizations: Nepal Institute of Mental Health (NIOMH) & Education Global Senate (EGS) & Nepal Institute of Mental Health (NIOMH) 

Spearheaded by the teachers of Bajhang district, and in close collaboration with  Nepal Institute of Mental Health (NIOMH) and Education Global Senate (EGS), this movement bridges clinical guidance with grassroots execution. The project team leads include Sarana Parajuli ( EGS and NIOMH) and  Sanjay Yadav ( NIOMH) to ensure the framework meets critical community needs, alongside the  organizational facilitation of Dr. Bishnu Joshi (EGS).

The Core Inspiration: Leadership in the Face of Tragedy

At the heart of this initiative is a movement born from deep personal tragedy, compassion, and extraordinary resilience. The program on the ground is led by Purna Malla and supported by dedicated team members Gagan Agari and Bhumiraj Pithatoli.

Implementation & Key Milestones

• Educational Outreach: Purna Sir successfully delivered specialized mental health awareness presentations across nine schools in Bajhang, directly engaging students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.

• Curriculum Focus: The curriculum centered on identifying psychological stress, understanding how it accumulates, and recognizing its direct impact on adolescent mental health. A major focus was placed on dismantling the stigma and societal fear of judgment that prevents youth from expressing themselves.

• Cultural Integration: Notably, Purna Sir innovatively delivered the core mental health themes through the traditional poetic form of Deuda. This culturally resonant approach deeply engaged the students and maximized emotional impact.

• Local Governance Collaboration: The project was strengthened by formal collaboration with the Bajhang Ga.Wi.Sa. (Village Development Committee), establishing institutional support for the grassroots team.

While Phase I achieved enthusiastic participation, the field team noted that future iterations must extend beyond a single-day format to create a lasting behavioral shift.

Clinical & Pedagogical Enhancements (NIOMH)

• Interactive Micro-Sessions: Transition from broad lectures to small-group interactive sessions 

• Contextualized Content: Develop tailored interactive workshop materials with questions directly relevant to contemporary student realities and the specific rural school environment.

• Tele-Mental Health Support: Establish direct Zoom-based counseling sessions linking small groups of students with professional counselors.

• Capacity Building: Implement Zoom-based mental health training and gatekeeper workshops for local school teachers.

• Geographical Mapping: Conduct comprehensive geographic and demographic mapping to identify high-risk zones and track project scalability.