The news
Breaking the silence around mental health is an essential step toward fostering a supportive society. Recognising this, Savaira, a division of the Soorty Foundation, has been at the forefront of mental health awareness, challenging stigmas and misconceptions. This year, their impactful efforts extended to a strategic collaboration with our flagship partner in Pakistan, the Fahmida Begum Foundation (FBF) for the Parvaan School Wellness Program, an initiative aimed at promoting mental well-being among school children.
In April 2024, the Fahmida Begum Foundation signed an agreement with Savaira, formalising this critical partnership. The agreement focuses on implementing holistic wellness initiatives on school campuses to enhance student mental health. The program includes wellness activities, specialised teacher training, and deploying well-being counselors to support students and their communities effectively.
Transforming Mental Health Awareness in Schools
The collaboration began taking shape in August 2024, when Savaira conducted a full-day teacher training program at the Fahmida Begum School. This comprehensive session equipped teachers with essential strategies to promote mental health awareness, manage classroom challenges, intervene in behavioral issues, and engage students more effectively. By training educators to recognise and address mental health concerns, the program empowers them to create supportive learning environments for their students.
In September, Ms. Maryam Ahmed, Principal of Fahmida Begum School, participated in a Principal Orientation Session at Savaira’s head office. This session introduced the program’s implementation framework and outlined the critical steps for the next phase, including deploying well-being counselors, hosting booster sessions, conducting classroom interventions, and organizing parental awareness initiatives. The orientation also emphasised the importance of the lay counseling model, which provides accessible, community-based emotional support.
Supporting Students Through Lay Counseling
In October, Savaira appointed Ms. Areesha, a trained lay counselor from the local community, to serve at the Fahmida Begum School. Working five days a week, Ms. Areesha provides basic counseling and emotional support to students, parents, and community members, helping them navigate everyday challenges and stressors. Her presence ensures a safe and supportive environment for students to discuss their concerns.
To sustain her impactful role, Savaira has committed to covering Ms. Areesha’s salary until June 2025. This commitment is complemented by ongoing training, monitoring, and collaboration between Savaira and the Fahmida Begum School’s management, ensuring the program’s long-term success.
Community Engagement and Building a Better Future
Savaira’s commitment extends beyond the school campus. Regular visits by their field officers to Mehran Town aim to gather insights into the community’s mental health resources and forge partnerships with vocational centers and healthcare facilities. These efforts are designed to enhance the Parvaan School Wellness Program’s outreach and effectiveness by tailoring it to meet the unique needs of local communities.
By working closely with the Fahmida Begum Foundation, Savaira is laying a strong foundation for targeted mental health awareness initiatives. Together, they are creating pathways for children, families, and educators to access the tools and support they need to thrive.
This collaboration between Savaira and FBF exemplifies the power of partnership in addressing critical mental health challenges, ensuring that no child faces these barriers alone. With continued support and shared commitment, this initiative is paving the way for a healthier, more compassionate future.
