A three-day seminar and workshop titled “Intervention for Strengthening Child Mental Health and Protection in Schools” is being held from 27th July to 29th July 2026 at the C.R. Gasper Memorial Hall. The program has been organized jointly by St. Augustine’s Day School and the Azim Premji Foundation Hyderabad. This initiative focuses on promoting child protection and strengthening mental health practices in schools.

​The primary objective of the program is to equip educators, teachers, and school counselors with the essential knowledge, practical strategies, and professional skills required to cultivate safe, inclusive, and emotionally supportive learning environments for children. Over the course of the three days, participants are engaging in interactive discussions and hands-on learning designed around several key areas:

• Strengthening mental health support systems within schools.
• Recognizing and actively responding to the psycho-social needs of children.
• Implementing effective, comprehensive child protection measures.
• Building nurturing educational environments that foster resilience and positive mental health.

​The sessions are being led by prominent experts in child and adolescent mental health, alongside institutional leadership:

​Dr. Richard Gasper: Principal of the school, who is leading the sessions and encouraging active participation from educators, teachers, school counselors, and child development professionals.

​Dr. Shekhar Seshadri: A renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist with extensive experience in child mental health, school mental health, and child protection.

​Dr. Sheila Ramaswamy: An eminent expert in child protection and psycho-social care who has worked extensively on safeguarding children’s rights and well-being.

​Additionally, Mrs. Edna Gasper, President of the school, and Mrs. Esther Gasper were present at the initial press meet to support the launch of the initiative.

​During the press meet, Dr. Shekhar Seshadri highlighted that participants will engage in dynamic practical learning focused on building robust mental health support systems and recognizing psycho-social needs.

​Dr. Sheila Ramaswamy noted that the program underscores the growing necessity for schools to adopt holistic approaches prioritizing both the safety and mental well-being of every student. By empowering educators and counselors, the initiative seeks to boost the institutional capacity of schools to detect concerns early, respond appropriately, and nurture student resilience.

​A great initiative indeed!!

Priyanka Dutta