Today is a special day for me personally and for @BNULahore. The university has released two best-practice manuals based on our practical experience on how to ensure a drug-free campus environment and how to offer psychological support and first aid to students.
All university administrators and governments talk a lot about the importance of higher education and professional successes attached to it, but we seldom own up to the reality that students can’t thrive – in fact, they can’t even become stable, mature adults – unless they are offered safe and empowering environments. I truly believe that the #1 objective of a university should be to produce responsible global citizens ready to contribute positively to society, and this can’t happen unless they are psychologically secure.
@BNULahore took it upon itself to break the taboo of not speaking about the pervasive problem of substance use and abuse across educational institutions. We recognized that broader mental health vulnerabilities are tied to it. We addressed both issues in tandem over two years through a comprehensive strategy. We found that establishing a safe and drug-free society is not only necessary, but also doable.
The two manuals, “From Risk to Resilience: BNU Substance Use Control Program” and “Campus Care: A Guide to Psychological First Aid,” are produced to motivate peer institutions and offer a starting point for them to replicate the effort.
We owe it to our younger generation and their families. I am heartened by the interest and support @BNULahore has already received from the Punjab government and the Higher Education Commission in taking this forward.
All university administrators and governments talk a lot about the importance of higher education and professional successes attached to it, but we seldom own up to the reality that students can’t thrive – in fact, they can’t even become stable, mature adults – unless they are offered safe and empowering environments. I truly believe that the #1 objective of a university should be to produce responsible global citizens ready to contribute positively to society, and this can’t happen unless they are psychologically secure.
@BNULahore took it upon itself to break the taboo of not speaking about the pervasive problem of substance use and abuse across educational institutions. We recognized that broader mental health vulnerabilities are tied to it. We addressed both issues in tandem over two years through a comprehensive strategy. We found that establishing a safe and drug-free society is not only necessary, but also doable.
The two manuals, “From Risk to Resilience: BNU Substance Use Control Program” and “Campus Care: A Guide to Psychological First Aid,” are produced to motivate peer institutions and offer a starting point for them to replicate the effort.
We owe it to our younger generation and their families. I am heartened by the interest and support @BNULahore has already received from the Punjab government and the Higher Education Commission in taking this forward.
