KATHMANDU, JUNE 2 Sajha Prayas Nepal has conducted a school-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programme in five schools of Budanilkantha Municipality-9 in Kathmandu. The programme, held from May 10 to May 23, aimed to raise mental health awareness among students, reduce stigma and support early identification of psychosocial issues among children and adolescents. According to the organisation, the initiative included mental health orientation sessions, screenings, counselling support and interactive discussions involving clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, students, parents, teachers and local stakeholders. The programme was carried out in coordination with Bigyan English High School, Sypres Public High School, Neighbourhood English High School, Brain Land Academy and Budanilkantha Pathshala, with support from Ward No. 9 of Budanilkantha Municipality. Sajha Prayas Nepal said the initiative focused on strengthening preventive mental health support systems in schools and encouraging early intervention for emotional and behavioural issues among students. The organisation added that adolescence is a critical stage of development and timely awareness and counselling can significantly improve long-term mental well-being and resilience. It further stated that findings and recommendations from the programme will be submitted to relevant authorities to support future policy planning and school-based psychosocial support mechanisms.