26/10/2025
Recently, Team Mindy visited Baherbaly SESDP Model High School in Kishoreganj as part of the MindFirst Project, supported by the UNESCO x SEVENTEEN Global Youth Grant Scheme.
Nestled in the heart of Bangladesh’s haor region, Baherbaly is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty — endless stretches of water, open skies, and the peaceful rhythm of rural life. Yet, beneath this beauty lies a constant challenge. The school remains submerged for nearly nine to ten months each year, and students must travel long distances by boat just to attend classes. What might seem like an obstacle to many has instead become a story of resilience, adaptation, and hope.
During our visit, we were inspired by the students’ energy and engagement. Despite the daily realities of climate vulnerability, they participated actively in our mental health awareness and skill-building session, sharing thoughts and reflections with honesty and enthusiasm. Their willingness to learn about emotional well-being, self-care, and empathy showed how mental health education can empower young people to navigate both personal and environmental challenges.
Because their school premises remain flooded for most of the year, students have transformed their rooftop into a garden, nurturing flowers and plants as a symbol of renewal and positivity. It is a living example of how communities can respond creatively to the effects of climate change — fostering connection, purpose, and mental well-being even when circumstances are uncertain.
At Mindy, through the MindFirst Project, we believe mental health is deeply connected to our surroundings — the environment we live in, the challenges we face, and the communities that hold us together. The people of Baherbaly remind us that well-being grows not from comfort, but from courage, compassion, and collective resilience.
