Building Bridges for Mental Health: Global Wall of Goodwill Exhibition 2023

In a world where the echoes of individual struggles often drown in the cacophony of daily life, the Global Wall of Goodwill, a project initiated by the Social Impact Lab(SIL) at BRAC University emerges as a profound testament to the transformative power of empathy, unity, and shared experiences. In a transformative celebration of unity and empathy, the Global Wall of Goodwill Exhibition 2023 was held on December 12th at the new campus of BRAC University. This pioneering event, organized by the Social Impact Lab(SIL) in collaboration with the Outreach Team, Office of Registrar, School of GenEd and the Arts and Photography Society- BRAC University, marked a significant milestone in mental health awareness, drawing participants from Dhaka's esteemed educational institutions, including St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, Shaheed Birottom Lt. Anowar Girls' College, Dhaka Residential Model College, Noubahini College Dhaka, Oxford International School and the Aga Khan Academy.

A Multifaceted Exploration:

Stepping into the festive ambiance of the workshop, participants were greeted by insightful discussions led by esteemed speakers. Adnan Hossain, founder of the It’s Humanity Foundation, Hura Jannat Shikha, Asst. Professor of Psychology and student counselor at Noubahini College, Dhaka,Zohora Parveen, clinical psychologist and Anne Anthonia Baroi, psychosocial counselor and lecturer BRAC University, illuminated collaborative practices. The presence of Sebastian Groh, Associate Professor Brac Business School and a notable climate change entrepreneur, Lady Syeda Sarwar Abed, senior director of BRAC University, Professor Shaila Sultana, Director of Brac Institute of Languages, Tahsina Rahman, Joint-Director, Student Life and Dr. Dave Dowland, Registrar of Brac University, added a significant dimension to the day's proceedings.

Diverse Perspectives Unveiled:

The discussion portal opened with Dr. Sebastian Groh, Associate Professor of BRAC Business School, exploring a simple question- “What is impact and how can a student inspire positive impact”. A dynamic Active Listening Workshop, conducted by SIL's Founder and Coordinator, Srijan Banik, engaged students in a meaningful dialogue. Simultaneously, teachers embarked on a campus tour, gaining insights into the university's evolving landscape.

Creative Expressions on Mental Wellbeing:

The Wall Magazine display became a canvas for students to articulate their talents and share concerns about mental health. This interactive exhibit not only showcased creativity but also encouraged an open conversation about the intricate facets of mental wellbeing.

Guidance from the Counseling Unit:

Following a brief interlude, students delved into a special workshop led by the Counseling Unit of BRAC University, featuring Ms. Anne Anthonia Baroi and Ms. Safina Binte Enayet. This session addressed the psychological nuances of student life and offered practical insights to navigate stress and hopelessness.

Panel Discussion: Building Bridges for Mental Health:

A pivotal moment of the exhibition unfolded through a thought-provoking panel discussion titled "From Schools to Societies; Building Bridges for Mental Health." Esteemed speakers, including Mr. Adnan Hossain, Ms. Hura Jannat Shikha, Anne Anthonia Baroi, and Ms. Zohora, shared insights into the vital role of Civil Society Organizations in mental health advocacy. The panel explored the correlation between digitalization and the mental health of students, shedding light on actionable steps for positive change. University Registrar Dr. Dave Dowland shared remarks on pertinent mental health issues, actively participating in a practical session of aura-cleansing exercises. The event concluded on a vibrant note with an entertainment session, featuring various performances by the talented students of BRAC University Arts and Photography Society.

Inspiring a Global Movement:

This year, the Global Wall of Goodwill took on an impactful mission, extending its reach to universities from around the world including the American University of Central Asia, Bard College, the American University of Bulgaria, the American University of Beirut, and Ashesi University. What began as a heartfelt endeavor to foster positive connections has blossomed into a global movement with the partnership of the OSUN Global Engagement Fellows. Grounded in the belief that conversations on mental health should begin at the grassroots level, the project extended its reach to nine high schools and colleges in Dhaka. Over 600 goodwill messages were collected, forming a mosaic of shared experiences and sentiments. A unique aspect of this outreach was the collection of anonymous letters from students expressing their thoughts. In response, a dedicated student volunteer team from SIL is crafting thoughtful replies, promoting empathy and understanding. The success of the high school outreach program owes much to the unwavering dedication of the Outreach Team from Brac University.

Connecting Minds, Inspiring Change:

As the Global Wall of Goodwill continues to inspire and connect hearts across borders, it serves as a beacon for a more empathetic and compassionate world. Rooted in the profound belief that small actions can create ripple effects of positive change, this initiative invites individuals and institutions to join hands in weaving a global tapestry of support, understanding, and mental well-being. To directly collaborate with the project write an email to sil@bracu.ac.bd