On November 29, the MOE held a national conference to promote mental health education in higher education institutions (HEIs). Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng attended the meeting and delivered a speech.
Huai first communicated President Xi Jinping’s message on the importance of improving mental health education in HEIs, as part of the overarching goal of developing well-rounded citizens.
He underscored the fundamental role of education in promoting good mental health, emotional well-being and a positive attitude to learning, and that HEIs have a unique and critical role to play in supporting students’ mental health and well-being in proactive, comprehensive, and collaborative ways. The minister identified four strategies for educators to consider. First, students should be encouraged to talk about their mental health issues. In this regard, educators should have open and ongoing conversations with students. School counselors can play a central role in providing direct services to students in need. Second, HEIs should develop mental health curricula and offer targeted courses to help improve students’ mental resilience. Third, physical, aesthetic and labor education, as well as on-campus cultural activities can play a supportive role in building healthy minds. Fourth, immediate interventions should be taken at the earliest signs of mental health issues.
On the last point, the minister especially instructed HEIs to focus on the early warning and identification of mental distress and crises, and offer one-stop counselling services in an efficient, collaborative, targeted and professional way. He urged educational departments at all levels to oversee the implementation of mental health measures at HEIs. Expert steering committees for mental health education at HEIs were encouraged to play a greater role in offering expert support and professional counselling.
The conference was attended by heads of departments and units under the MOE, as well as representatives from expert steering committees for mental health education at HEIs.
