For the students, by the students: South Breeze students celebrate mental wellbeing
Through songs, art, and shared stories, students at South Breeze School turned their campus into a safe space for self-expression and healing — redefining how young people talk about mental health
Students at South Breeze School came together on 30 October for Path to Serenity — a daylong, student-led event celebrating mental wellbeing and challenging stigmas through creativity, connection, and care.
Farzana Kashfi, founder of the Wish Foundation, said her organisation has been collaborating with South Breeze for the past three years. "We hold weekly sessions not only for students but also for teachers and parents," she explained.
Under the guidance of the Wish Foundation, the school also runs a Mental Health Club — an innovative initiative that equips students with leadership skills and inspires them to apply what they learn, creating a ripple effect throughout the school community.
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Kashfi said her vision was to build a space where young people could discuss mental health openly and without judgement. She emphasised that today's students face unique pressures, ranging from family expectations to personal challenges, and that developing self-awareness and emotional management is essential to navigating these demands.
Drawing on her experience, she noted that integrating mental health awareness within schools allows students to build resilience through stronger social skills and relationship management.
For students who need additional support beyond weekly group sessions, South Breeze collaborates with Moner Bondhu, offering one-to-one counselling at a highly discounted rate. This ensures that those struggling more deeply can access professional help in a safe and supportive environment.
Reflecting on Path to Serenity, Kashfi smiled as she described how the students took complete ownership of the event — from ideation to execution. "It's truly what I call 'for the students, by the students'," she said proudly.
The school's Mental Health Club, led by Grade 12 students, spearheaded the initiative. President Faiha Zaman, Vice President Azmita Salwa Bari, Executive Director Maizara Khan, Creative Director Saraf Anika, and Event Management Head Nusaiba Hoq worked closely with their peers to bring the event to life.
Ashna Chowdhury, co-founder of the Wish Foundation, reflected on the early stages of engaging with students, admitting that "building trust was the hardest part". It took time for students to open up, she explained, but through consistent communication and feedback, they gradually began to trust the facilitators. "Events like these bridge the relationship between us and the students," she added.
"We let them take the lead while ensuring that every activity remains connected to mental health and wellbeing," Chowdhury continued. "This experience helps them develop leadership, communication, and social skills while overcoming fears of public speaking or stage presence — ultimately making them more confident."
The event began with a lively musical performance led by Nazaree Taha from the Music Club, featuring soulful renditions of Iris and Beche Thakar Gaan. Laughter soon followed with student-led stand-up comedy, setting a light-hearted tone for the rest of the day. Across the campus, students and visitors explored a range of interactive and meaningful stalls.
At Ink and Insight — a face-painting and henna booth run by Wish members — students expressed their emotions through bright colours. Nearby, the Girl Up booth sold bracelets as a form of self-expression, while Hope Floats Here invited visitors to pop balloons filled with uplifting affirmations.
Students also left their handprints on the SBS Wall of Handprints – Leave Your Mark, creating a vibrant display of creativity and unity. The plant stall, Take a Leaf of Faith, managed by the SBS Environmental Club, added a touch of greenery and calm that complemented the day's theme of mindfulness and reflection.
A short film by the newly formed SBS Film Club highlighted important issues surrounding mental health, sparking heartfelt conversations. At the Moner Bondhu – Whims of Wellness booth, students engaged in interactive activities and open discussions with a therapist.
For those seeking a moment of quiet, a meditation corner led by Wish teachers — Farzana Kashfi, Ashna Chowdhury, Manal Khan, Tamzida Karim, and Rahnuma Haque — offered a peaceful space to breathe, reflect, and release the day's tension.
One of the most powerful moments of the event was the Open Mic session, where students, teachers, and guests shared personal reflections, poems, and stories. The segment fostered an honest and heartfelt dialogue about mental wellbeing, allowing everyone to feel seen, heard, and supported.
By the end of the day, Path to Serenity left a lasting impact on everyone involved, showing how schools can nurture not only academic excellence but also emotional intelligence and empathy.
Through compassion, creativity, and collaboration, the students of South Breeze proved that when young people are trusted, supported, and given the space to lead, they can inspire a future that is kinder, more understanding, and emotionally resilient.
