A. Background and Context

Bangladesh has recently experienced significant unrest due to protests surrounding the quota system. The protests, which escalated into violence, resulted in multiple deaths, property damage, and severe injuries. The fallout from these events has left a profound psychological impact, particularly on students who were directly involved or affected by the turmoil. The psychological trauma has disrupted their daily lives, academic progress, and overall well-being.

Understanding the urgent need to address this crisis, Kambaii Health, an initiative of CRID-USA, has launched a program aimed at restoring the psychological health of affected individuals. This program is designed to provide comprehensive care through an integrated platform, offering both health and psychological assessments by a team of doctors and psychologists. The ultimate goal is to help these students regain their mental stability and return to their educational pursuits with renewed focus and resilience.

B. Objectives

  • Psychological Restoration: To provide psychological support and counselling to students affected by the quota system protests, helping them overcome trauma and anxiety. 
  • Comprehensive Health Assessment: To conduct 360-degree health assessments that address both physical and psychological needs, ensuring holistic care for the affected individuals.
  • Educational Reintegration: To facilitate the return of affected students to their academic lives, providing the necessary support to help them focus on their studies and achieve their educational goals. 
  • Awareness and Prevention: To raise awareness about the psychological impact of such traumatic events and implement preventive measures to protect the mental health of students in the future. 

C. Program Description

The program will be implemented through the Kambaii integrated platform that allows affected individuals to register and receive a comprehensive assessment. The key components of the program include: 

  • Registration and Screening: Affected individuals can register online to receive an initial screening, which will help identify their specific needs. 
  • 360 Health Care Assessment: Registered individuals will undergo a full health assessment, including physical examinations and psychological evaluations by qualified doctors and psychologists. 
  • Personalised Care Plans: Based on the assessment results, personalised care plans will be developed for each individual, addressing their unique physical and mental health needs. 
  • Counselling and Therapy: Regular counselling sessions and therapy will be provided to help individuals process their trauma, manage stress, and develop coping mechanisms. 
  • Educational Support: The program will collaborate with educational institutions to provide academic support, including tutoring, study materials, and flexible learning options, to help students catch up on missed studies.
  • Monitoring and Follow-Up: Continuous monitoring and follow-up will be conducted to ensure the progress of individuals and make necessary adjustments to their care plans.

D.Implementation Strategy

  • Partnership Development: Seek partnerships with mental health organisations, educational institutions, NGOs, and government bodies to expand the program's reach and resources.
  • Capacity Building: Train and equip a team of healthcare professionals, psychologists, and counsellors to deliver the program effectively.
  • Community Engagement: Engage with local communities, parents, and educators to create a supportive environment for the affected students. 
  • Awareness Campaigns: Conduct awareness campaigns through various media channels to highlight the importance of mental health and encourage affected individuals to seek help. 
  • Evaluation and Scaling: Regularly evaluate the program's impact and effectiveness, using feedback to improve and scale the program to reach more individuals.

E.Expected Outcomes

  • Improved Mental Health: Significant improvement in the psychological well-being of affected students, reducing symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression.
  • Successful Educational Reintegration: A smooth transition for students back into their academic lives, with improved focus and performance.
  • Enhanced Awareness: Greater awareness among the public and stakeholders about the importance of mental health, particularly in the context of traumatic events.
  • Sustainable Impact: Establishment of a sustainable support system that can continue to provide mental health services and support to students in the future.

F.Conclusion

The psychological and educational well-being of students in Bangladesh has been severely affected by the recent quota system protests. Kambaii Health's initiative to provide comprehensive care through an integrated platform offers a timely and necessary solution to help these students recover and reintegrate into their academic lives. With the support of partners and stakeholders, this program has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to rebuild their futures