Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 23: St Aloysius Pre-University College, organised an awareness programme on World Suicide Prevention Day titled ‘Fostering Hope’ for student council members and class representatives.
The programme was organised by the department of counselling in collaboration with Suicide Lifeline, a unit of Susheg Charitable Trust, with the aim of creating awareness about suicide prevention, emotional well-being and peer support.
Rooted in the Jesuit value of Cura Personalis – Care for the whole person, the programme focused on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of students and encouraged student leaders to become responsible and compassionate sources of support for their peers.
The session was facilitated by Dr Zeena Flavia D’Souza, associate professor, School of Commerce, Finance and Accountancy and coordinator of the Anti-Ragging and Anti-Drug Abuse Cell at St Aloysius Deemed to be University; Sr Lidwin Sequeira, OSS, principal (Retired), with extensive experience in education and community service; and Ruksana Abbas Haji, a volunteer with call-connect and first responder with the Suicide Lifeline initiative.
The facilitators addressed important aspects of suicide prevention and peer support, including recognising warning signs of emotional distress, the importance of early identification and timely intervention, and appropriate ways of responding to a peer who may be experiencing emotional difficulties.
The student representatives were encouraged to listen without judgement, respond with empathy and sensitivity, and reach out for appropriate support rather than attempting to handle serious situations on their own. The session highlighted the important role of student council members and class representatives in noticing changes in their peers, initiating supportive conversations and connecting students with the counselling department, trusted adults or professional help whenever necessary.
The programme also emphasised the need to create a safe and caring campus environment where students feel comfortable speaking about their emotional difficulties without fear of judgement or stigma. Through practical insights and interactive discussion, the participants were encouraged to understand how simple acts of noticing, listening and reaching out can make a meaningful difference.
The programme concluded with the participants taking the suicide prevention pledge, reaffirming their commitment to being aware, compassionate and supportive towards their peers and to contributing towards a safe and caring college community.
Student counsellors Prathik Rai welcomed the gathering, while Sr Valsa C A proposed the vote of thanks.
The awareness programme served as a meaningful initiative towards strengthening students’ understanding of suicide prevention and peer support, while encouraging student representatives to play a responsible role in fostering a compassionate, supportive and caring college community.