Identity Inclusion trains school teachers in Chuadanga on psychosocial support and suicide prevention

Identity Inclusion, in collaboration with the Jubo Dokkhota Unnoyon Foundation (JDUF) and with funding from the District Council of Chuadanga, is conducting a two-day training on psychosocial support and suicide prevention for 40 teachers from 40 schools across Chuadanga Sadar. The training is being held on 29 and 30 September 2025.

The initiative was prompted by a rise in suicide cases in the district and the absence of psychologists or psychiatrists. The training aims to equip teachers with the skills to recognise, respond to, and support the mental health needs of students, particularly those experiencing emotional distress or at risk of suicide.

"Teachers are often the first to notice when a student is struggling emotionally. With the right training, they can play a life-saving role," said Shamsin Ahmed, Founder and Lead Consultant at Identity Inclusion. "This training is about giving them the confidence and skills to do just that."

The programme covers fundamentals of mental health, providing basic psychosocial support, active listening and non-judgmental communication, identifying warning signs of suicidal ideation, and protocols for referral and emergency response.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 800,000 people die by suicide globally every year, with suicide the second leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. In Bangladesh, over 6,000 people die by suicide annually, many under the age of 25.

Local officials expressed strong support for the initiative. "We commend Identity Inclusion for this timely training," said Mr Al Romaj Rajon, President of the Jubo Dokkhota Unnoyon Foundation, Chuadanga. "Investing in teachers' psychosocial skills is an investment in the future of our children and youth."

The training is part of a broader effort to integrate mental health awareness into the education system and to foster school communities where no student feels invisible or unheard.