MUSCAT : With profound enthusiasm and excitement, the A.B.L.E department of Indian School Al Wadi Al  Kabir and ISWK International conducted the first in-person MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS  WEEK (10th October -13th October). The objective was to break the stigma and to emphasize on the importance of speaking out when struggling with mental health issues, by conducting  #BREAKTHESTIGMA activities. The highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the Walkathon on  October 10th, 2022. All staff were dressed in white to show their solidarity and create awareness for this noble cause. The Senior Student Council members assisted the department in compering and guiding the audience throughout the program. 

This occasion was graced by Mr. Alkesh Joshi, Hon. President of the School Management  Committee (SMC), Mrs. Shilpa Pawani, Mrs. Anisha Samuel and Mrs. Jalpa Mehta, esteemed members of the SMC. Mr. D.N. Rao, the principal, vice principals and staff were present in the school multi-purpose hall to witness the grand inaugural ceremony of Mental Health Week on 10th  October. The Chief Guest, Ms. Sheeba Naqvi (In-charge of Care & Special Education, Board of  Directors of Indian Schools, Oman) was welcomed by Master Lael Alva, Head Boy & Miss.  Gayathri Hari, Head Girl of ISWK. After the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries, the programme commenced with the A.B.L.E Department highlights, which was a brief summary presented by Mrs. Rashmi Patankar, Department In-charge about specific areas handled by the department. 

The audience was addressed by the Chief Guest who spoke about the importance of Mental  Health & Well-being. One of the highlights of the event was the appreciation of the Support Staff  (ISWK & ISWKI) with certificates and goody bags for their selfless contribution. They were felicitated by the Chief Guest, SMC President, Principal & Vice-principals. 

During the entire inaugural function, tips on #bettermentalhealth were shared with the audience who were collectively asked to join to take a pledge for a better Mental Health. Following the pledge, the audience was guided to proceed to the senior school ground to be a part of the first and most awaited Mental Health Walkathon. There was a surprise element also – a Flashmob – 

along with the Walkathon. The event concluded with a fun-filled Zumba session for the audience and staff of ISWK & ISWKI. 

To create awareness among the students and staff, Team A.B.L.E (Counseling and Special  Needs Department) hosted a number of events throughout the week including Guest speaker sessions for Middle School & Senior School students of ISWK & ISWKI, addressing challenges faced by students and how to deal with them. The teachers had a ‘Burst your Worries’ activity conducted for them. Lastly, the students also got a chance to express themselves through art and short films on the topic ‘Understanding Mental Health. 

The Mental Health Week was a great success with the active participation of the staff and students of ISWK & ISWK International.