School mental health program in Pakistan- a whole school approach

To find out change in Pakistani teacher's perception about mental health and whole school approach after training workshops. Experimental Trainings were held at department of Psychiatry, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in collaboration with British council, THET, federal directorate of education and Kings College, London. Duration of training workshop was eight days. This study involving 60 [Male and Female] subject class teachers, heads of school, officers concerned from ministry of education and school counselors of both government and private sectors. Data was collected with the help of instruments i.e., pre designed Pre and post - tests for the assessment of their knowledge regarding mental health and whole school approach before and after training. Results were then computed by using percentages to compare the knowledge of participants before and after receiving trainings. Training involved interactive group discussions and work assignments. At the end of the workshop models were presented by each group with enablers and key dimensions for a whole school approach. On pre test participants scored 58.65% while after receiving training the score was 74.8%. This revealed an overall mismatch between teachers' beliefs about a whole-school approach, childhood mental health problems and their perceived school reality and mental health issues. To conclude, trainings on school mental health program and whole school approach changed perception and knowledge of teachers and educationists. They reported that they are now better able to use school policies, systems and structures to create an environment that will promote mental wellbeing