By Salawati Haji Yahya –
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, OCT 10 – Taking care of mental health is no longer an option, but a necessity that must be emphasized, especially in ensuring that teachers are in a state of well-being.
“As we prioritize the academic achievement of students, it is time to give equal attention to mental health in the workplace, specifically in the environment of educational institutions.”
The matter was explained by the Founder of CureHeart, Hajah Norajleen Uminatul Hafizan binti Haji Alimas at the Forum Nurturing Heart: Supporting Educator’s Well-Being in conjunction with the World Mental Health Day Celebration 2024 which took place at the Admiral College of Commerce (LCB), today.
Present as the guest of honor was the Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education, Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin. Also present was the Chief Operating Officer and deputy principal of the college as the main sponsor of the event, Dr Sivarajah Subramaniam.
In his welcome speech, among others, he also explained that educators bear a great responsibility in educating the future generation, and their well-being must be given priority so that they can continue to serve with excellence not only as educators, but as guides and role models for students and children.
In addition, teachers play an important role in shaping not only academic excellence, but the moral values and morals of the young generation who lead the future of the country, he added.
He went on to point out that today’s generation is faced with new challenges ranging from digital transformation to social and emotional complexity, and in performing that task, teachers bear a deep emotional and mental burden.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that educators are given appropriate support, both emotionally and mentally, so that they continue to be enthusiastic in carrying out this enormous responsibility,” he explained.
”By discussing and sharing together in this forum, it will be possible to find more meaningful ways to provide educators with the resources, emotional support, and work-life balance they need.
“We also hope to hear views from experts, share best practices and discuss initiatives that are in line with noble values, Islamic principles and global trends in the well-being of educators,” he added.
The forum is divided into two sessions, the first forum focusing on Safeguarding Educators and Special Needs Educators: Nurturing Those Who Carewhere the panel members consisted of the Deputy Dean of Academics and Student Affairs, SHIBIE, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Dr Siti Norhedayah binti Haji Abdul Latif and Associate Specialist in Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Consultant, Ministry of Education, Dr Sahaheen Zinna binti Dato Paduka Dr. Haji Shaukat Zinna.
Meanwhile, the second forum focused on Setting Boundaries in the Workplace: Navigating Affairs, Spirituality, and Mental Healthwhere the panel members consisted of the President of the Human Resources Association, Hajah Zainab binti MA Omar, and the Assistant Prison Counselor at the Prison Department, Awang Fariszal Ali.
World Mental Health Day is celebrated around the world on October 10, where the forum aims, among other things, to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilize efforts to support mental health care around the world, and the theme for this year is Mental Health in the Workplace.
The forum was attended by teachers, special needs teachers and counseling professionals from schools across the country and LCB students.
