Bridging the Gap: Digital Innovation and Empowering Myanmar’s Young People for Their Wellbeings and Rights

"I felt so lost and stressed with everything happening around me. It was like being trapped in a never-ending storm," shared Zin, a 22-year-old young man in Yangon. "I needed more than just a place to study. I needed a space to breathe, express my feelings, and find peace."

Zin’s words reflect the feelings of many young people in Myanmar today. In the midst of political turmoil and uncertainty gripping the nation, youth like him are not only facing challenges with their education but also with their mental well-being. In this difficult environment, Doh Eain’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Video Screenings and Wellbeing Workshops, supported by UNFPA's Women and Girls First Programme, have become a crucial support for young people. These sessions are more than just an escape from daily stresses—they are lifelines, providing practical tools for resilience and mental health and psychosocial well-being in the face of overwhelming challenges.

The workshops, organised by Doh Eain with the support of youth networks, combine the screening of comprehensively crafted MHPSS videos with in-person group counselling and art therapy. Over 100 young individuals benefited from this activity in 2023 alone, with another 100 joining in the first half of 2024. This hybrid approach—blending the power of digital media with  face-to-face counselling—has proven to be particularly impactful. The videos provide a structured way to introduce complex mental health topics, while the in-person interactions offer a safe space for participants to explore these issues more deeply. For many, it is the first time they have been given the space and the tools to process their emotions in a constructive way.

"Our support needs to be 360-degree to truly help young people with their well-being," says Marlo, a mental health counsellor involved in the workshops. Both in-person and online approaches have their own advantages nowadays. Young people need a safe space for their mental health and psychosocial well-being, and combining these methods allows us to reach and resonate with them more effectively."

A local youth participant, Khin, shared how the workshop helped her confront the anxiety she had been carrying silently. "Before this, I didn't have a place to talk about my emotions and stress. Watching the MHPSS videos and sharing our experiences with others who feel the same way made me realise I'm not alone. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders," she said, her voice filled with relief and newfound strength.

Thet, a community youth leader from a local youth network who facilitates the sessions, emphasised the importance of professional support in these workshops. "They need such kind of well-being support since there is a lot of misinformation around these health-related topics through social media. This is their right, and we need to support them," she explained.

The impact of these workshops is profound. Thet has seen firsthand the transformation in the young people she works with. "When they first come in, many of them are carrying so much anxiety, confusion and uncertainty. But through the videos and our discussions, they start to open up. They begin to understand that their feelings are valid, embracing the sense that “it is OK not to be ok” and there are ways to cope. Seeing them leave with hope in their eyes—it’s the most rewarding part of my job," she shared.

 

The MHPSS videos, tailored for youth, cover a range of topics, including stress management, coping mechanisms, and the importance of mental health dialogue, particularly among young men and boys. These screenings are not just passive experiences but gateways to deeper conversations. During one session, participants used drawing and painting to express their emotions, which then became the centrepiece of a group discussion. This creative expression allowed them to explore their feelings in a way that words alone could not.

"My favourite part was the drawing," said Thura, an 18-year-old young man who attended the workshop. "I didn't think I could express myself like that. But when I saw what I drew, I realised it was a picture of my stress. It felt good to see it and then share it with the others finally. We all understood each other in that moment."

For many of these young people, the workshops are a rare opportunity to connect with peers facing similar struggles. In a country where open discussion about mental health is often stigmatised, these sessions provide a safe haven where they can share, heal, and grow together. The hybrid approach of combining digital video content with in-person counselling support is essential in creating an environment where young people feel understood and empowered to take control of their mental health and psychosocial well-being.

Reflecting on her experiences, Khin expressed a sentiment that resonates with many who have attended these sessions: "I arrived here with the feeling lost after experiencing numerous impacts from the ongoing conflict, but I am leaving with hope. This is something I will hold onto, regardless of what happens next."

UNFPA has introduced the innovative Baykin-2 mobile application developed by 360ed in 2022. Baykin-2 integrates learning with gaming to effectively engage young users, providing visually rich content that helps adolescents understand critical topics such as sexual and reproductive health, social and emotional well-being, and relationship building. By equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from gender-based violence, Baykin-2 empowers the young generation to take control of their personal safety and well-being.

As the country continues to navigate its turbulent times, the need for such innovative support systems is more critical than ever. These MHPSS Video Screenings, Wellbeing Workshops, and the Baykin-2 app are not just helping young people cope with the present but empowering them to build a future where mental well-being and self-awareness are prioritised and openly discussed.

These innovative initiatives, supported by UNFPA in collaboration with youth organizations and networks, are vital for empowering young people for their well-being and resilience. These supports address immediate mental health and psychosocial needs and empower young people to understand and assert their rights, ensuring they can navigate through the crisis with confidence and hope.

*This story was originally published on the UNFPA Myanmar Website.