Facilitated by Dr. Norman Mendoza, a licensed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provider and co-founder of a non-profit youth organization focused on mental health awareness, the workshop began with a one-hour session on MHFA Fundamentals. Dr. Norman equipped students with essential skills to support well-being and mental health, emphasizing practical approaches to identifying and responding to mental health concerns.

The workshop also featured Dr. Ma. Jenina N. Nalipay, Assistant Professor at EdUHK and an experienced suicide hotline responder. In a 30-minute interactive segment, Dr. Nalipay shared insights from her frontline experience, addressing student questions and highlighting the realities and importance of psychological support services.

A key component of the workshop was the experiential activity “Message in a Bottle,” which translated the theme of self-care and gratitude into a reflective practice. Participants wrote personal messages to their future selves or expressions of gratitude, sealing them in recycled glass bottles they decorated creatively. This activity served as a tangible intervention reinforcing the day’s lessons on emotional well-being and mental health preservation.

The sessions were smoothly delivered with the support of the SDGxEL program team, blending expert instruction with participatory learning. Through MHFA Learning, direct dialogue with a crisis responder, and a symbolic self-care activity, students gained meaningful tools to advance both personal and community well-being.

Last edited: 23 October 2025