How Are You, Really? A Journey Into Mental Wellness and Childhood Empowerment
Dear Readers,
This time, I am writing to you not as a professional or expert but as someone who deeply cares about one's mental well-being.
Before we go further,I want you to answer honestly,not to me but to yourself: 'How are you really?' Are you tired?Hopeful?Confused?
How much time have you spent on positive self-talk?
Or maybe you are not sure what you feel.
That's okay too.
We often check in on others—“How are you?” “Are you okay?”—
but we rarely ask that question to ourselves. I recently read a quote that states, “I want to be the best version of myself for anyone who is going to someday walk into my life and need someone to love them beyond reason.”
And I thought about how we can offer love to others if we don't offer that love to ourselves as well.
This is why it is important to check in with ourselves.
So Take a breath and Be honest with yourself because mental well-being starts with self-awareness.
But still, in most parts of the world mental health is neglected- especially for children. Childhood is a crucial and vulnerable stage of development.
Through social media, peer groups, and personal experience I have seen many children grow up with a mindset that they must be strong, and quiet. A few girl children believe that they have to prioritize taking care of their family, learning house chores - be a homemaker at a young age.Yes basic skills are essential for everyone but in that process, their childhood shouldn't be stolen. These children never learn how to process pain. This is where the work of Pehchaan The Street School becomes more than offering education.
They begin their day with silent prayers followed by the introduction of one good habit- this small moment encourages positive behaviour and values.
Why Mental Health Matters-Especially for Children
Children and youth are often seen as the future policymakers or change-makers of tomorrow—but how can they shape the future when they are struggling just to survive emotionally?
Many are also fighting for basic necessities like food,safety,and shelter.
According to the World Health Organization,- Mental health issues contribute significantly to the overall burden of disease in children and adolescents, impacting their physical and emotional well-being. One-third of mental health conditions emerge before the age of 14,and half before the age of 18. Statistically, one in seven adolescents aged 10-19 experiences a mental disorder,accounting for 15% of the global burden of disease in this age group around the world. Early interventions and support can have a positive impact on a child's development and future.
The classroom without four walls
Pechaan The Street School is a ten-year-old non-profit organization operating across ten centres, offering free education to over 1,600 underprivileged children. The term “Pehchaan,” which translates as identity in the Hindi language, represents the organization’s core mission: to provide children with a sense of identity via education, self-esteem, and opportunity.
Pehchaan The Street School - What began as a small initiative has become a quiet revolution, touching the lives of over 5,000 individuals—and we are just getting started. They focus on the holistic development of children's vocational training and financial literacy keeping in mind the demands of today's modern world. They organize workshops on life skills and community engagement.
Through community engagement, Pehchaan The Street School's children get exposed to new scenarios, new people, and new stories, and learn about lifestyles and perspectives. Recently, Sevval -
an intern from Turkey completed her internship and being a volunteer-driven organisation this moment brings one more diverse story.
Another heartwarming gesture was the gifting of scented candles by @candelitious on the occasion of completing ten years.This moment felt like a warm hug, a symbol of light, spreading through hope, kindness, and brighter tomorrows.
Additionally, Fukra Insaan and Triggered Insaan sent their signature Fokus drinks, even though they couldn't make it to the event, they made sure to send their warm wishes to Pehchaan The Street School on the completion of ten incredible years.
INCLUSIVITY
Pehchaan The Street School ensures an inclusive space for every child. Girls and boys learn together in the same classrooms, using the same resources—helping reduce gender discrimination. They also encourage open conversations,and the learning materials and activities they provide—such as storytelling,puzzles,role-playing, and more—help children develop emotionally and cognitively.
Here, they play, learn, create, and explore.
Importantly, they also educate children on good touch and bad touch, while also instilling values like manners, respect, and gratitude.
During one such psychological session on good touch and bad touch, the team discovered that one of their female students was being inappropriately touched by a neighbour who was an alcoholic. The Pehchaan The Street School's team immediately intervened, informed the girl’s mother, and helped her escape that unsafe environment.
Support Through Sponsorship
Pehchaan The Street School also helps in sponsoring a child and is supported by crowdfunding. The sponsorship cost ranges from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per month. This organization is bridging the gap for underprivileged children, allowing them to attain their goals.
Individual contributions cover the child’s basic educational resources, like uniforms, stationery, and books, allowing them to access quality education and achieve their dreams.
Challenges
Despite being a well-organised organisation they face real challenges like-
Lack of Funding- This is the most important need for an NGO to work successfully.
Lack Of Resources- Due to lack of funding NGOs are unable to fulfill many requirements many times.
Need for more volunteers- Pehchaan The Street School is a volunteer-driven organisation and dedicated volunteers are one of the major needs.
Inadequate infrastructure - It affects the delivery of education and limits access for children.
Ways You Can Support Pehchaan The Street School
• Volunteer -on the ground or online and contribute your time as per your availability.
• Internship -on the ground or online, one can choose from multiple positions as per interest. All
interns get a certificate after completion of the internship.
•Member-Membership is for everyone who can't commit time or can't work either online or
offline. One can also donate a certain amount and become a member of the trust.
Once in life, we all should be a part of such a great cause.
To know more about Pehchaan The Street School visit the following links-
Website-
https://pehchaanstreetschool.org/
Facebook page link :
https://www.facebook.com/PehchaanTheStreetSchoolOfficial/
Instagram page link -
https://instagram.com/pehchaanstreetschool?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=181sger2fozl7
YouTube channel -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXd4gnTazJh3JugKENt5yog
https://twitter.com/Pehchaan_School?s=09
To Donate via Instamojo-https://www.instamojo.com/@pehchaanthestreetschool
To Donate via NEFT-https://pehchaanstreetschool.org/donation/
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