Tribune News Network
Doha
GEMS American Academy Qatar (GAAQ) prioritises the safeguarding and well-being of its students, implementing various initiatives to support their mental health. Across all grade levels, the school organises activities focused on promoting mental well-being.
For example, elementary students have the opportunity to engage in mindfulness and stress-relieving stations during lunchtime. These stations offer activities such as exercise, mindfulness, drawing, origami, knotting, brain games, mandala art, and meditation. Additionally, the lower school guidance counsellor provides mental health learning resources, including books, videos, and games, to be incorporated into lesson plans as part of an interdisciplinary approach.
Furthermore, elementary and middle school students occasionally distribute blank green cards to peers and teachers, allowing them to share a positive affirmation. These cards are then displayed on mobile partition walls throughout the school, fostering a sense of community. High school students have participated in a Values in Action (VIA) survey of character strengths, which helped them understand and apply their characteristic strengths and positive personality traits, leading to increased confidence, happiness, and purpose, as well as improved relationships and goal attainment.
GAAQ’s specialised middle school programme is designed to comprehensively support students, addressing their individual needs. Advisory teachers provide an additional level of support and guidance to help students successfully navigate adolescence.
The school also hosts events featuring experts in mental health. Journalist, life coach, and mother of three GAAQ students, Ophelia Johnson led a session focusing on understanding emotions, providing examples of positive emotion management, and engaging in role-playing scenarios to enhance emotional intelligence. Another event featured life coach Manal Kurdi, mother of a GAAQ alum, who discussed expressing feelings and overcoming challenges in an environment of inquiry, opportunity, and exploration.
Additionally, motivational speaker and life/business coach Shefa Ali addressed students on maintaining emotional health and developing effective strategies for long-term peace and happiness, emphasising the importance of building social-emotional skills and holistic development.
The collective efforts to promote mental health education at GAAQ reflect the school’s commitment to safeguarding and the wellbeing of the community. With guidance counsellors serving as key members of the school’s child safeguarding and protection team, the promotion of mental health awareness aligns with the school’s dedication to providing a safe and supportive learning environment. At GAAQ, the core belief is that quality education empowers individuals and expands options throughout life, and students appreciate receiving practical life tips and advice.
