BHU organises workshops for faculty members to become primary student counsellors

NEW DELHI: Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is organising I Care workshops for faculty members in order to prepare them to become the primary counsellors for students. The training is being held in collaboration with Maanas, an organisation that promotes transformation via psychological self-awareness. During the programme, instructors will get lessons on how to manage challenges caused by psychological illiteracy and a lack of awareness about mental health.

I Care is a series of three workshops that prepares faculty members for mentoring students in a methodical and coordinated manner. Meenakshi Kirtane, founder director, Maanas, who is taking the sessions for teachers, stated that today's youngsters are exposed to a wide range of experiences and influences. They have a lot of exposure and information, but they also lack psychological literacy, therefore, developing mechanisms and facilities at the institution's level will assist them in managing care of their well-being.

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The one-day workshop is being held for five days in a row from November 6 to November 10, 2023 in order to benefit maximum faculty members. On Monday, the first set of workshops began at Mahila Mahavidyalaya. It is planned for hostel coordinators, administrative wardens, wardens, student advisors, and chairpersons of the Student Well-Being Initiative Committee and the Student Leadership and Life Skill Development and Initiative Committee.

The first part of the workshop, "preparing to connect to self and others," focuses on assisting faculty members in developing greater consciousness towards their own psychological being and being aware of their developmental history as a student. As participants' awareness and sensitivity develops, it enables them to form empathic connections with students thus helping them to effectively comprehend and resolve their challenges.

The second section delves deeper into different aspects of psychological well-being. The third section of the session emphasises the value and efficacy of listening and how it may make a significant impact.