School-Based Mental Health Promotion Program for Students in Grades 6–9 in the Jaffna MOH Area

This field health activity aimed to promote mental health and emotional resilience among school students in grades 6-9 in the Jaffna MOH area. Students conducted baseline and post-intervention psychological well-being assessments using the standardized Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). They implemented interactive group sessions, mindfulness breathing exercises, and focus games to equip adolescents with practical coping mechanisms against academic and peer stress. They screened educational role-play drama videos filmed within the faculty premises, delivered student-friendly presentations, and distributed custom-designed Tamil informative leaflets. Lastly, students evaluated the pre- and post-intervention scores across each school division to measure changes in emotional awareness, reduction of psychological distress, and overall project feasibility.

■ Supervisor: Mr. S. Sivakanthan, B.A (Peradeniya), M.Phil (Peradeniya), Senior Lecturer in

Medical Sociology (Grade I), Department of Community and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,

University of Jaffna.

■ Time Duration: 15 May 2025 – 27 November 2025

■ Place: Vaitheeswara College, Jaffna MOH Area