Salav Oul
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Salav Oul

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

WHAT IS YOUR SPECIFIC AREA OF INTEREST IN YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY? 

Social and Emotional Learning Advocacy

WHY IS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Youth mental health advocacy is important to me because prosperity and sustainable growth occur when there are leaders who can heal themselves and create space for others to heal and thrive too. Mental health advocacy helps prepare our youth with the right knowledge, skill, and mindset for that transformational journey.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

Where I am living is described as a lack of awareness of the importance of mental health and how to maintain healthy mental health. There are a lot of misconceptions and judgments around mental health issues that discourage people from disclosing their mental problems and seeking help in a healthy way. This reality is passed down from our prior history of civil war, poverty, and poorly educated households. Therefore, there is a urgency of recovery and nation re-establishment through strengthening the people’s mental health which youth plays a vital role.
 

PROPOSED FELLOWSHIP PROJECT

Project: Social and Emotional Learning for adolescents in Cambodian context

Activity: Teaching social and emotional learning as an after-school program for secondary students.

Vision: The students in Cambodia will grow up with self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and discipline that allow them to create a strong relationship with themselves and others and become well-informed decision-makers and leaders who can lead with compassion and healing in their communities. 

Impact: If students are exposed to social and emotional learning, they will be more aware of themselves, recognize and value diversity, and establish meaningful friendships/relationships with peers/teachers. Moreover, they will develop a healthy coping mechanism for other mental challenges that they may experience at home or later in life.