BRAC Hope Festival

We treat physical ailments. Take regular care of the body to stay healthy. But mind? Many of us do not know that the mind can be sick and that the mind needs care. Many are now becoming aware of the issue of mental care in social awareness. But it is few. Apart from that, many people think that only adults need mental care. I don't even think about the care that children need.

BRAC IED's child therapist Mostak Imran said, "Our children want to play. They want to make their childhood enjoyable through games and stories. But doesn't get a chance. It turns out we don't have a playground. Children are becoming addicted to various devices. They should be given the opportunity to play in various festivals and festivals. Children can play in any environment. He doesn't need a lot of money for that. He said these things after seeing the enthusiasm of the children at the 'Hope Festival' organized by the private development organization BRAC.

As part of BRAC's 50-year march, the three-day 'Hope Festival' started on February 9 at the capital's Army Stadium. The three-day program was organized keeping in mind these three themes: 'Bangladesh in the Heart', 'Possibilities of Possibilities', and 'The World We Want to Build'. The event was for children. But audiences of all ages, including many parents, found the pure joy of their lost childhoods.

Anisha, a child spectator, is very excited to come to this event, 'Many adults have also participated with me here. It seems to me that we are all the same age means we are equal.

Celebrating 50 years of BRAC's inspiring stories, BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BRAC IED) participated in the Hope Festival to spread the message to the general public—mental health care is essential in everyday life.

BRAC IED psychologist Nusrat Jahan said, "It is very important to take care of mental health. If we are mentally well then we can spend the present beautifully and think about the future. Not only children, people of all ages and even mothers during pregnancy need mental health care.'

In various workshops for mental health development, experts said, 'Anger and stress can be controlled only if you can control your mind. If mind control is not possible, there is a problem with the expression of emotions in social interaction. People of different age groups should be socialized with a positive attitude in society by controlling their minds.

In this event, not only through theoretical discussions but through various workshops organized around the 'Mind Tree', the audience can learn about the good and bad sides of the mind. Interesting emojis were arranged to make it easy to understand what to do to feel good. There was an open discussion about how parents can take care of themselves, including managing stress and anger.

By participating in the discussion, many people have found a new way to keep their minds good. One such person is Swarna Mita Chowdhury. This student said, "We have gone through several trials in organizing the Hope Festival. It was very helpful for me as a student how to manage stress. I have a younger brother at home, I learned how to behave with him from the "Healthy Parenting" session. This education will help me a lot in dealing with mental health in my daily life.'

BRAC IED has been working since 2013 to improve mental health at various levels of society across the country through nearly 700 para counsellors. That is why the organization is creating para counsellors. The role of para counsellors is that they are elected leaders from the community. These leaders understand the languages of their area. Paracounselors provide mental health support to children, adolescents, parents—everyone.

Taifur Islam, Child psychologist, BRAC IED said, 'We are organizing various short courses, where guidance is given on positive parenting, anger management or how a person can develop himself as a psychosocial supporter. Through this, the people of the country will be aware of mental healthcare. Be careful about the health of your own mind.