Parindey's Guftugu
Guftugu, a comprehensive five-month endeavor aimed at fostering mental health and well-being among university students in Pakistan. The program focuses on empowering young people to address various social, economic, and psychological factors impacting their mental health. Through a series of orientations and workshops at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), NED University, and Mehrghar-Lyari, Guftugu engaged 128 students in becoming advocates and organizers for mental health within their communities.
The pinnacle of the program, the Guftugu Resilience Conference, held at SMIU, facilitated discussions on mental health and resilience, emphasizing the urgent need to address mental health concerns among youth. The conference featured engaging panel discussions, thrilling pitching sessions, and insightful talks by renowned figures like Sabina Khatri and Saif Samejo.
By establishing wellness clubs and providing a platform for open dialogue, Guftugu promotes early intervention mechanisms, fostering a safe space for students to express concerns and seek support, thus mitigating risks of isolation and radicalization. Founder Sonal Dhanani underscores the importance of these clubs in navigating emotional challenges effectively, steering individuals away from extremist ideologies. As Guftugu concludes its pilot phase, it leaves a lasting impact, inspiring continued dialogue, breaking stigma, and championing mental health advocacy.
