Taking part in the SDG Exhibition was a fulfilling experience that enhanced my knowledge of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. My display centered on promoting awareness about mental health awareness. Preparing for the exhibition required looking into global health issues, creating engaging materials, and interacting with attendees. Although it was tough at first to grab people’s interest, I discovered that sharing real-life stories and having interactive conversations made the subject more relatable. The feedback I got was varied. A lot of people who came by were interested in learning about mental health awareness. I noticed that some individuals opened up about their struggles with mental health caused by stress, depression, and other challenges. A handful of visitors confessed that they didn’t know much about the significance of SDG 3 and were taken aback by the data on preventable illnesses and mental health problems. It was rewarding to see so many people leave the booth with a deeper understanding of the importance of self-care and preventive health practices. From the interactions I had, even though many students knew the fundamentals of mental health concerns, they were not aware that SDG 3 was a worldwide movement. many were aware of ideas like thinking positively or taking care of their mental health, but many were unaware of the connections between SDG 3 and universal healthcare, lowering maternal mortality, and avoiding infectious illnesses. However, after visiting the exhibition, most visitors expressed a stronger awareness of how they could contribute to better health practices in their daily lives. Literature can be a powerful tool in promoting SDG 3. Novels, short stories, and poetry often explore themes of illness, mental health struggles, and healthcare disparities, making them effective in raising awareness. For example, in our booth, we chose our poem ' A Chance of Understanding' by G Tylor addresses mental health, and provides insight into anxiety disorders, helping readers empathize with those who struggle with such conditions. Incorporating health-related themes in literature classes can spark meaningful discussions and encourage students to adopt healthier habits. As aspiring teachers, B.Ed. TESL students ought to be prepared with methods for incorporating SDG 3 into their instruction. Here are some suggestions:
To make studying more interesting, include health-related subjects in reading assignments and class discussions. For instance, use novels, poetry, or short stories as teaching resources. By examining actual health issues and talking about possible solutions, it can promote critical thinking. In addition, students might encourage reflective writing and storytelling in which they express their viewpoints or experiences related to health and wellbeing.