PROVINCE REPORT
NATHIAGALI: The Directorate of Youth Affairs, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with ALDO, organized a two-day residential event to commemorate World Mental Health Day at the Baragali Summer Camp, University of Peshawar, Nathiagali.
The theme of the event was “Youth Health Champions Training: Mental Health and Inclusive Healthcare”.
The training brought together 40 young participants, both male and female, from the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The objective was to sensitize youth about mental health issues, break the stigma surrounding it, and build their capacity as peer support champions for inclusive healthcare in their communities.
The sessions were conducted by a panel of expert trainers including *Syed Mustafa Shah, Ms. Barrera Ahmed, Syeda Munnaza Shah, and Mr. Abdul Salam. The trainers delivered comprehensive sessions on stress management, psychological first aid, emotional resilience, peer counseling, and the importance of inclusive healthcare access for marginalized groups.
The interactive training included group activities, role plays, and open discussions where participants shared challenges faced by the youth of merged districts regarding mental health awareness and access to health services.
Speaking on the occasion, a representative of the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stated: “The youth of the Newly Merged Districts and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are our future and our priority. The Directorate of Youth Affairs is committed to providing them with platforms for learning, leadership, and personal growth. Mental health is as important as physical health, and through initiatives like Youth Health Champions, we aim to create a cadre of young leaders who will go back to their communities as ambassadors of hope, resilience, and inclusive health. This collaboration with ALDO is a step towards ensuring that no young person is left behind in our journey towards a healthier Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
The participants appreciated the efforts of the Directorate of Youth Affairs for organizing such an insightful and much-needed training in the serene and conducive learning environment of Baragali.
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates among the participants and a pledge to promote mental health awareness in their respective districts.
