Beaconhouse National University (BNU)

In a concerted effort to address the pressing issues of mental health and HIV/AIDS awareness, the Institute of Psychology at Beaconhouse National University (BNU) organized a transformative Mental Health Week in collaboration with the Punjab AIDS Control Program. The week-long event aimed not only to educate and raise awareness but also to destigmatize conversations around mental health and HIV/AIDS. The inaugural day of the Mental Health Week kicked off with Inter-University and Inter-Schools/Colleges Poster Competitions. The event, graced by distinguished guests including Prof. Dr. Rafia Rafique, President of the Pakistan Psychological Association, witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 30 educational institutions. The vibrant and thought-provoking posters served as a visual medium to convey messages of mental health awareness and HIV/AIDS prevention. Day two of the event saw the staging of an Inter-University Quiz Competition, which drew participation from 11 dynamic teams representing esteemed educational institutions across the region. The quiz not only tested participants' knowledge about mental health and HIV/AIDS but also served as a platform for fostering healthy competition and collaborative learning. As the week progressed, the focus shifted to artistic expression with the Inter-University Performing Arts Competition. This day provided a creative platform for universities to showcase their artistic prowess while simultaneously promoting mental health awareness and combating the stigma surrounding AIDS. Through captivating performances ranging from theater to music and dance, participants conveyed powerful messages of hope, resilience, and solidarity. The culminating event of Mental Health Week involved a charitable endeavor aimed at spreading joy and compassion to those affected by mental health challenges and HIV/AIDS. Students from BNU assembled care packages filled with essential items and distributed them to patients at Fountain House, a renowned mental health rehabilitation center in Lahore. This act of kindness not only brought smiles to the faces of the recipients but also fostered a sense of gratitude and camaraderie among the students. Mental Health Week at Beaconhouse National University not only provided a platform for raising awareness but also ignited a spark of hope and change in the community. By bringing together students, educators, and experts from various disciplines, the event succeeded in fostering meaningful conversations, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society.