The three-day Workshop on Mental Health in Schools for the central region concluded on May 15 at Gelephu HSS, bringing together close to 150 education officers, principals, school counsellors and wellbeing focal teachers. The workshop, jointly organised by The PEMA Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, aims to promote mental health and wellbeing in schools; streamline school-based substance use prevention and care; and build the capacity of school leaders and counsellors with the skills to provide early identification and timely support.

Reflecting on the successful completion of the workshop, participants expressed gratitude for the valuable insights and practical tools gained. Inspired by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen’s call to move from empathy to action, they committed to fostering safe, nurturing environments for students. The workshop underscored that mental health care truly begins at the school level, where proactive measures can save and build lives. As the next phase of this nationwide initiative, a similar workshop will be held in Mongar from May 26-28, engaging participants from the eastern region.

At the closing session, Dasho Dechen Wangmo, Head of The PEMA Secretariat expressed her delight, noting that the participants are now better equipped with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to proactively address mental health challenges within their schools. The PEMA Secretariat committed to create avenues to build capacities of the mental health professionals in collaboration with the leading institutions in the region. Dasho also reiterated the call from Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen to move from empathy to action, to build a compassionate and resilient Bhutan, where every child is nurtured, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.