The youths of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bangladesh recently addressed critical health-related problems with interactive events. JCI is a worldwide membership-based nonprofit organisation of enthusiastic young people, who are dedicated to create positive change in their communities. The members of the JCI Bangladesh identified underserved demographic and less targeted public health problems and undertook two projects namely- 'Project Vision', a free eye camp for transportation sector workers and 'Gray Ribbon Project,' a project to spread awareness and remove the stigma of mental health problems.
'Gray Ribbon Project'- raising awareness about mental health
JCI Dhaka West and JCI Dhaka Cosmopolitan organised a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) based workshop on April 07, 2018, under 'Gray Ribbon Project', to raise awareness about mental health issues and teach different techniques in practising mindfulness and positive thinking. The workshop, titled 'MindRev', was conducted by Sister Lipy Gloria Rozario who is a psychologist and counsellor at the Healing Heart Counselling Unit in Bashundhara and is also a professional trainer for aspiring psychologists. The workshop was held at the office of Tasmia Prodhan & Associates, with about 30 participants aged 20-35, inclusive of lawyers from the firm, and employees from the neighbouring media company GroupDot.
After an introduction to the idea of mental health and wellness, Sister Gloria presented basic NLP techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and anchoring, that are designed to help people relax, reenergise, and cultivate a positive state of mind. Each method was taught through a 10-minute session, followed by a discussion. The Gray Ribbon Project aims to reduce the stigma around mental health through various awareness programmes throughout the year, focusing on professionals in corporate organisations and students in universities.
'Project Vision'- promoting healthy eyesight for road transport sector workers
JCI Dhaka West organised a free eye camp on April 22, 2018 at Mohakhali bus stand, serving more than 400 bus drivers, helpers, and workers. Participants went through surveys, eye checkups, consultations with doctors, and were subsequently prescribed treatment. The event was sponsored by Fashion Optics Limited. Fashion Eye Hospital Limited provided the medical services including free medicine and glasses, with surgeries and follow-ups at a minimal cost.
At least 4,284 people, including 516 women and 539 children, were killed, and 9,112 others injured in 3,472 road accidents across Bangladesh in 2017. Bus drivers are an underserved demographic when it comes to healthcare, particularly regarding vision. JCI Dhaka West researched by surveying bus drivers and relevant workers to assess their vision and eye health, yielding concerning results. The eye camp was the first intervention and was received very positively at the bus terminal, with drivers lining up for hours to get their eyes checked, commenting that this type of step is necessary as they often do not have access to these services for various reasons.
Project Vision aims to raise awareness of the importance of vision care through such interventions with the goal of reducing road accidents, injuries, and other critical aspects affected by vision issues. In the next phases of the project, JCI Dhaka West hopes to create further impact by targeting other underserved demographics where vision plays a vital role.
The writer is a general member at JCI Dhaka West. He can be reached at anuman1990@gmail.com