Valuing children's mental wellbeing

In the shadow of the Covid-19 lockdown, the city's true nature surfaced, revealing a dark side marked by a disturbing rise in child abuse. The headlines screamed the harsh reality: 5,203 reported child abuse cases in four years, claiming the lives of 2,150 children. This is not just a statistical tale; it is the haunting truth of Bangladesh, where children find themselves vulnerable at home, school, and even in playgrounds.

Former education minister Dipu Moni echoed concerns about the joy of learning missing from the educational system and the necessity of moral values for social and emotional learning. Her call for strengthening child protection in schools set the stage for a crucial conversation. Yet, the stark reality persisted -- as leaders prioritised mental health and child protection, the grading-centric mindset of parents often overshadowed the depth of vision required to nurture a child's roots.

In the distressing aftermath, a staggering revelation unfolded -- 46.8 per cent of suicides were committed by school students, with 112 female and 57 male students ending their lives. A profound 40 per cent of madrasa students succumbed to emotional perturbation, while sexual abuse triggered 13.30 per cent of suicides, with 10 per cent attributed to love affairs. Simultaneously, the country mourned the loss of 110 children in the first half of the year, as reported by Ain o Salish Kendra.

Amid this bleak scenario, the Wisdom Fair emerged as a beacon of hope, advocating for institutional systemic change. The panel discussions echoed the urgent need to collaborate with parents and schools, emphasising that the mental and physical well-being of children must take precedence over academic grades.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the event utilised art and psychology to shed light on the long-lasting effects of trauma, especially sexual abuse, on adult lives. Organised at Justice Shahabuddin Park in Gulshan-2, Dhaka recently the Wisdom Fair unfolded as a transformative journey into the intersection of psychology and art. The event aimed to unravel the profound effects of childhood wounds on adult lives, drawing inspiration from the concept of facing fears.

The fair featured diverse elements, including concept art installations, psychological performance art, interactive plays, magic, live music, and psychological games for self-discovery. The renowned ‘Breaking Chains’ exhibit served as a visual and emotional powerhouse, challenging societal norms and offering alternative approaches to learning through the fusion of art and science. At the heart of this transformative movement, the visionary artist and founder of MajhaMajhi - Maaz, with his innovative approach, used art to unravel the complex layers of trauma. His concept art installations at the Wisdom Fair, including the poignant ‘Breaking Chains’ exhibit, challenged societal norms associated with materials like steel, often tied to infrastructure development. The art installation creations initiated a crucial dialogue on social conditioning and generational trauma.

Dhaka's cultural Renaissance, from lockdown to mental health awakening: The post-Covid era in Dhaka witnessed a transformative wave, marked by a surge in artistic expression and cultural events. The lockdown prompted introspection, unravelling the tendency to evade emotions by staying busy. This cultural shift resulted in a positive change in attitudes toward counselling, breaking the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Inspired by this awakening, MajhaMajhi introduced a novel story to the city, blending performance art with psychology to explore the depths of social conditioning and generational trauma.

#revolutionwithin movement, fostering tolerance and understanding: Initiating the #revolutionwithin movement, the Wisdom Fair encouraged reflection over blaming culture. Collaborating psychologists and artists provided scientific insights into human emotions and ways to heal, with a specific focus on supporting victims of sexual violence. The movement engaged with marginalised students, amplifying their voices against harmful social norms and fostering a community that prioritised tolerance and understanding.

Inauguration and insightful discussions: The Wisdom Fair 2024 was inaugurated by Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation, Atiqul Islam, followed by a panel discussion with esteemed guests, including Siobhan Kerr, first secretary of the Canadian High Commission, and Md Salim Hossain, associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Dhaka University. First Secretary Siobhan Kerr acknowledged that even Canada had faced times when mental health was not a popular topic.

Mayor Atiqul Islam highlighted the correlation between the lack of parks and the rising issues of depression, stress, and anxiety. Danny Amin from Majhamajhi emphasised the power of self-explanatory art as a meaningful way to educate, while Prof Salim Hossain saw the potential in education through a marriage of psychology and art to explore conversations around mental health and well-being.

A call to collective responsibility: The Wisdom Fair 2024 was not just an event; it was a call to action, urging society to protect its most vulnerable members -- the children. As the city gathered at Shahabuddin Park, it was an invitation to join the movement, delve into the depths of the mind, and actively participate in reshaping the narrative. The Wisdom Fair became a symbol of collective responsibility, breaking chains, changing narratives, and embracing the magic of self-discovery for a safer and more nurturing future.

Behind the scenes, the MajhaMajhi team, comprising psychologists, businessmen, artists, Gen Z innovators, and the Moulovi Abdul Hye Memorial Trust (MAHM), worked tirelessly. MAHM, with two decades of experience, focused on uplifting highly marginalised communities, particularly adolescent girls.

Zarin Zeba Khan is a gender equality and mental wellness advocate with more than 14 years of experience in Bangladesh's development sector with experience at the High Commission of Canada and UN Women.

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