The Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Unit of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) is delighted to announce the triumphant conclusion of the Mindfulness Mural competition, a transformative initiative that saw participation from fifteen schools across the Territory. The competition was aimed at fostering creativity and promoting mental wellness among students by inviting participating schools to create murals within their schools which promoted mental health awareness.
The competition has proven to be a resounding success, with each participating school showcasing exceptional talent and commitment to their individual and community empowerment. Speaking on the adherence to the theme of the competition, Dr. Virginia Rubaine, Director of Community Mental Health, had the following to say,
“Every year on World Mental Health Day, our team emphasizes our children and youth. This year we wanted to do something which was fresh, impactful, and that would serve as a constant reminder to the students that mental health and their wellbeing should be their utmost priority. This was our first year executing this initiative and I was left overwhelmed by the apparent level of technical involvement which the students had had which demonstrates that they would have left the design process educated and empowered as mental health champions.”
Ultimately, the judges, who toured each participating school, found the task of selection an arduous one as the quality and uniqueness of each submission far exceeded expectations. The judges panel was comprised of; Dr. L. Sauda Smith, Executive Trustee of Unite BVI, the campaign’s primary donor, Mrs. Carima Wilson-Solomon, Education Officer (TVET), and Ms. Akesha Smith, Public Health Officer II. Their assessment and adjudication crowned the following winners:
Secondary School Category: Elmore Stoutt High School – Their entry focused heavily on a multi-dimensional approach to mental health and featured a handmade, upcycled swing, cushions and bean bag chairs.
Primary School Category: Valley Day Primary School – Their entry showcased a very high degree of individual understanding of the concept of mental wellness among the individual students as well as artistic flair.
Honorary Winner: Elsyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre – Their entry exemplified the social and individual aspects of mental health and was especially credited by the judges for their participation despite extraordinary circumstances.
Looking ahead, the mental health services team is excited to announce its plans to design permanent mindfulness spaces at each of the winning schools, made possible with the generous support of donors. Additionally, as a token of appreciation for the dedication and accomplishment of all participating institutions, each school will be rewarded with a donation of therapeutic resources to further support mental health initiatives within their communities.
The Mindfulness Mural competition has not only celebrated artistic talent but has also laid the foundation for fostering mental well-being in educational environments. We extend our gratitude to all participating schools, judges, and sponsors for making this initiative a tremendous success.