18 students participate in mental health video competition

Eighteen students across public and private learning institutions in Guyana recently participated in a mental health video competition, which was held by the Education Ministry in partnership with several other organisations.
In February, the MoE and the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) with funding support from the Government of Canada under the Safeguarding the Human Dignity & Rights of Populations At Risk for Ill Mental Health (SPAR) Project signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on several targeted initiatives in support of addressing mental health treatment, awareness, and evaluations among students in Guyana.
Since the signing of the MoU, the IDRF has undertaken Mental School Audits in 15 public schools and 3 private schools in Guyana and kickstarted several awareness and advocacy initiatives including a Students’ Mental Health Video Competition.
At the award ceremony for the Students’ Mental Health Video Competition, acting Chief Schools’ Welfare Officer, Vickram Mohabir reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the availability of Mental health programmes and support services to students across Guyana. These initiatives are aimed at driving greater support for children facing mental health challenges in Guyana. IDRF’s CEO, Mahmood Qasim, in his remarks commended the efforts of the students and charged them to continue to influence positive changes.
Eighteen students entered the competition, and the top three prizes were awarded to Ganesh Ghansham of Zeeburg Secondary, Kimberely Angela Sparman of Christ Church Secondary and Akaida Simpson of Hope Secondary School.
Last month the Continuing Medical Education (CME) hosted a lecture focused on strategies, techniques and tools to enhance the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of persons requiring mental health support in Guyana, and the official launch of the “Let’s Talk Guyana” mental health campaign.
The “Let’s Talk Guyana” campaign, which was held alongside the CME lecture, is a nationwide initiative with a primary focus of combating mental health stigma and discrimination that persists in association with mental health disorders. The campaign seeks to provide vital information on various mental health issues and support mechanisms available in Guyana, encouraging individuals experiencing ill mental health to seek help and support.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony during his address, underscored the Government’s commitment to prioritising mental health initiatives and improving access to mental health services in the country. He also addressed the country’s high suicide rates, emphasising the link between mental illness (especially depression) and suicide.
In addition, the Minister pointed to recent legislation supporting Government’s mental health agenda, including the new Mental Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Suicide Prevention Act, which both prioritise the rights of mental health patients, replacing outdated laws and shifting towards a more holistic care approach, rather than institutionalisation.