Abyei– Thursday, 10th October, 2024, Hon. Nyinkwany Aguer Bol, the Abyei Minister of Education and Instructions, in his capacity as the Acting Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare joined participants in the commemoration of World Mental Health Day. The occasion was also attended by UNISFA staff, UNOCHA and all MHPSS partners in Abyei, led by IOM, ACEA, Hold the Child and CEF.
This year’s commemoration of World Mental Health Day is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting better Mental Health for all. The occasion was held under the theme ” Building Resilience and Community Support for Mental Wellbeing “
In his keynote address, the Minister of General Education and Instruction and Acting as Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Hon. Nyinkwany Aguer Bol, urged the participants as they reflect on the theme, to consider three key areas where resilience and community support can be built.
The Minister calls for the promotion of awareness and Education as he emphasizes that knowledge is empowerment. The Minister further emphasized on the importance of educating ourselves and others in order to eradicate mental health’s related components for the purpose of combating stigma and misconceptions.
Minister Nyinkwany urged participants to encourage and promote workshops, community programs and open dialogues that can help normalize conversations about mental health as well as encouraging those who are in need of mental support to reach out.
In addition, Hon. Nyinkwany called for the establishment of support systems: by advocating for the creation of support networks that extend beyond professional help, in particular, by inclusion of peer support groups, community mental health initiatives and provision of resources that can enable individuals to connect with one another. He appealed for the encouragement of friendships and relationships that prioritize mental well-being and foster resilience. He also emphasized on encouraging accessible resources that are essential for mental health programs.
Furthermore, Minister Nyinkwany called for continued collaboration between the government and organizations as well as the community by working together, to ensure mental health services are available to those in need, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographical location and by doing so, adapting significant communication approaches; through helplines, counseling services, or conducting mental health days,
In conclusion, the Minister encouraged members of the community, to strive to make support an integral part of our community, he concluded by saying and of quote ” let us each commit to being advocates for our own mental health and the mental health of others, Let us stand together to support those who are struggling and to lend our strength to one another in times of need”.
Copyright : ©Abyei Special Administrative Area- Press Unit, October, 2024.
