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Razi Pahlavi Abdul Aziz, CEO of Amanie Care Foundation, delivered an impactful speech during the Bengkel Minda Sihat, highlighting the importance of mental health education and support for educators in nurturing students' well-being.
Amanie Care Foundation (ACF) has successfully organised two significant events aimed at enhancing mental health awareness among school children and vulnerable society. The Karnival Minda Sihat and Bengkel Minda Sihat exemplify ACF’s commitment to promoting mental well-being in the community and providing vital resources for both students and educators.
The Karnival Minda Sihat, held on 11 August 2024 at Central Square, Sungai Petani, was a collaborative effort by ACF in partnership with several key organisations, including the National Counselling Teachers Council for the Kuala Muda/Yan District, the Kedah State Education Department, the Psychiatry and Mental Health Department of Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital, and the Kuala Muda District Youth and Sports Office. ACF played a crucial role as a principal partner in this event, which attracted over 1,640 students from primary and secondary schools under the theme Sayangi Minda dan Gaya Hidup Sihat.
The carnival featured a variety of engaging activities, including interactive workshops, informative forums, and exhibitions aimed at fostering emotional well-being. A key highlight was the Healthy Mind Forum, where Prof. Madya Dr. Azlin Hilma Hillaluddin, Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation at Universiti Utara Malaysia, spoke on behalf of Amanie Care Foundation. Dr. Hilma addressed the importance of recognising early signs of mental distress and emphasised the need to reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues. Students actively participated in hands-on activities designed to promote practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety.
Students from schools in the Kuala Muda/Yan district listened to the talk at the Karnival Minda Sihat, learning about mental health and well-being.
ACF's booth at the carnival served as a resource hub, providing students with vital information and support tools for their mental health journeys. At the booth, students also participated in surveys related to mental health, allowing them to reflect on their well-being and share their experiences. The event concluded with a closing ceremony officiated by YB Adam Loh Wei Chai, the Assemblyman for Bakar Arang, reinforcing the community's strong commitment to mental health advocacy and support for its youth.
Building on the success of the carnival, ACF hosted the Bengkel Minda Sihat on 5 September 2024 at the Auditorium of Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital. This workshop was a collaborative effort from ACF, together with the Unit Counselling Career for Students, the Kedah State Education Department, the Kuala Muda/Yan District Education Office, the Psychiatry Department of Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital, and the National Counselling Teachers Council (Kuala Muda/Yan). The workshop aimed to empower school counselling teachers (Guru Kaunseling) with the skills necessary to identify and support students facing mental health challenges.
Dr. Mohd Azhar Mohamed, Director of Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim, Razi Pahlavi Abdul Aziz, CEO of Amanie Care Foundation, and six teachers from the MGKK District of Kuala Muda/Yan at the Karnival Minda Sihat, showcasing their commitment to mental health awareness in the community.
The workshop, themed Emosi Terjaga, Kehidupan Sejahtera, featured expert-led sessions on critical topics such as neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Esteemed speakers, including Dr. Khor Eleen and Dr. Mohd Affendi Hashim, provided invaluable insights into recognising and managing mental health issues in the classroom.
Participants also gained knowledge about effective counselling techniques, mood disorders in adolescents, and the referral pathways to local health clinics and psychiatric departments. By equipping educators with these essential tools, ACF aims to foster a supportive environment where students feel safe and encouraged to seek help for their mental health concerns.
While the recent events focused primarily on mental health education for students and educators, Amanie Care Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the OKU (Orang Kurang Upaya) community. ACF recognises the importance of inclusivity and will continue to advocate for accessible resources and support for individuals with disabilities. Future collaborations with local organisations and stakeholders are planned to ensure that the OKU community receives the necessary assistance to thrive.
Amanie Care Foundation is dedicated to advancing mental health awareness and providing ongoing support to vulnerable populations. Through initiatives like the Karnival Minda Sihat and Bengkel Minda Sihat, ACF plays a vital role in fostering a culture of mental well-being in Kedah. As the foundation looks to the future, it aims to expand its outreach efforts and continue collaborating with various partners to ensure that mental health remains a top priority in the community.
In reflecting on these initiatives, Razi Pahlavi Abdul Aziz, CEO of Amanie Care Foundation, stated, “At Amanie Care Foundation, we believe that mental health education is essential for our youth and vulnerable communities. Through these initiatives, we are committed to providing the tools and resources needed to empower individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. Together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and understood.”
