In a stirring demonstration of gratitude and admiration, students from Fourah Bay College’s Sociology and Social Work Departments joined forces to pay tribute to the esteemed Minister of Social Welfare, the Honourable Melrose Karminty. The heartfelt celebration, held at the Multipurpose Hall on the FBC campus, commemorated Minister Karminty’s steadfast commitment to advancing mental health awareness and support within society.
Minister Melrose Karminty captivated attendees as the keynote speaker of the symposium, delivering a compelling address that illuminated the crucial role of social workers in confronting the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health. Her speech emphasized evidence-based strategies while highlighting the complex interplay of social, structural, psychological, and biological factors influencing mental well-being. She advocated for holistic interventions to facilitate rehabilitation, recovery, and community reintegration.
The Minister outlined the government’s proactive approach to mental health, encompassing promotion, prevention, and intervention strategies. She underscored initiatives aimed at addressing social determinants and fostering supportive environments, including the establishment of rehabilitation centers to address substance misuse and promote overall wellness.
Central to Minister Karminty’s discourse was the detrimental impact of mental health stigma, which she described as exacerbating suffering, fostering social exclusion, and hindering access to essential services. However, she also instilled hope by emphasizing the pivotal role of social workers in combatting stigma through advocacy and empowerment.
Encouraging individuals to seek treatment, combat self-doubt, and nurture connections, Minister Melrose Karminty emphasized the transformative potential of compassionate care. Her impassioned plea resonated deeply with the audience, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and dedication among aspiring social workers.
The symposium concluded with Minister Melrose Karminty being presented with a certificate of honor, symbolizing the profound impact of her leadership and advocacy in the realm of mental wellness. Her unwavering dedication serves as a guiding light in the ongoing pursuit of empathy, understanding, and inclusion in mental health discourse.
As the applause faded, Minister Karminty’s message reverberated throughout the halls of Fourah Bay College, underscoring the enduring power of compassion, advocacy, and solidarity in fostering mental well-being
