Dhaka, September 24, 2026: Following the tragic demise of Ramisa Akhtar, student of class 2, Popular Model High School in Pallabi, Dhaka, a special mental health awareness workshop was held at the school on Thursday. The initiative was organized to support her classmates coping with fear, grief, anxiety, and psychological trauma caused by the sudden loss of their peer, which had left many of them deeply distressed.
Jointly organized by Lal Sabuj Society and Mental Health Care, the workshop commenced at 11:00 AM with the aim of helping young students navigate this difficult period and providing them a safe space to express their emotions. Students from class 2 to 5 actively participated in the program.
During the workshop, facilitators explained to the children that experiencing fear, sadness, crying, sleep disturbance, or recurring thoughts following a traumatic incident is completely normal. The children were strongly encouraged not to suppress their feelings, but to express them openly to their parents, teachers, school counselors, or trusted adults.
Keeping in mind the age and psychological development of the students, the workshop was conducted through interactive methods including storytelling, drawing, games, and group activities. Students were guided to identify their emotions and articulate them in simple language.
To help manage fear and anxiety, practical relaxation exercises were demonstrated to the students, including ‘Rainbow Breathing’ and the ‘5-4-3-2-1’ sensory grounding game. Additionally, discussions were held on how to safely seek help whenever they feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed.
Adhering to international child protection guidelines and trauma-informed methodologies, the sessions were facilitated by psychology postgraduate students Fazle Azim, Samira Akhtar Ibra, and Arpita Roy Lushi. They interacted directly with the children, offering them a safe platform to share their feelings and teaching them age-appropriate coping mechanisms.
Momena Shifa Rumki, Program Manager of Lal Sabuj Society, said, “Losing a classmate like Ramisa is an immensely difficult experience for young children. Following such an event, focusing solely on physical security is not enough; we must also listen to their fears, grief, and questions. Through this workshop, we wanted to reassure them that they are not alone and that it is okay to speak up when feeling distressed.”
Welcoming the initiative, Md. Saiful Islam, Headmaster of Popular Model High School, stated, “Students’ mental well-being must be prioritized as an integral part of education. This workshop organized for Ramisa’s classmates provided them with an opportunity to express their emotions and seek help when needed.”
Lal Sabuj Society and Mental Health Care announced their commitment to continuing school-based initiatives focusing on children’s mental health, emotional development, and child protection in the future.