Innovation award: Four Keningau teachers among top 5
Published on: Monday, May 08, 2023
By: Johan Aziz
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From left: Dr Sirhajwan, Shamsiah, Winnie and Azlan.
The team comprises Shamsiah Jaafar, Azlan Lakunsim, Winnie Ahoi and Dr. Sirhajwan Idek
The competition, organised by GoAbroad.Com which is based in the United States, is an annual event. The finalist announcement link for each category can be accessed via https://blog.goabroad.com/innovation-awards-2023/
Shamsiah, who led the project, said the team has implemented a project related to mental health among students and teachers called “It’s Okay” by using socio-emotional skills.
Through this project, she said, they have implemented workshops for teachers and peers regarding certain strategies.
“They have also implemented interventions for students. In addition, they organised a student mental health week where students can participate in several activities such as origami therapy, dance parties and nature walks.
“These activities are understood through previous studies to help calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
“This project has been presented at online and face-to-face conferences several times by these teachers and peer mentors,” she said.
Shamsiah said the project was implemented after a survey among students showed that many students faced mental health risks.
She and her team are even more excited to explore more strategies that can address issues related to mental health after receiving recognition as finalists for the global innovation award.
Meanwhile, the Director of the College, Christine Stanislaus Kinsik, fully supports the implementation of the project to raise the awareness on mental health.
