School Talk by Susan L.

  One of our local Catholic schools has the grade eights do a project on a local not-for-profit organization or charity. They research their subject and do a presentation. The class votes on the one they want to donate their annual fundraising activities to. Part of their assignment is to invite someone from the organization to speak to the grade seven and eights.
  A lovely young woman chose the Krasman Centre because mental health matters affect her personally. A co-worker and myself went to speak to the classes yesterday. They asked some great questions.
  For me, it isn't about the money. It was a wonderful opportunity to speak to these young men and women about mental health, peer support and recovery. It was an open door to sharing with them about the importance of reaching out if they are struggling. Hopefully, we were able to nip some prejudices and stereotyping in the bud.
  As we drove back to the centre and debriefed, both of us were pleased to have had this opportunity. I'd do it again in heartbeat! But here's a question, why isn't mental health part of our school curriculum? Sex ed, Canada's food guide and gym are mandatory. This should be, too if it already isn't in the schools. If a few health classes are devoted to talking about mental health and those classes save a life...cost shouldn't be a factor.
  Mental health can affect children as much as adults.
  "Then He spoke many things to them in parables, "Behold, a sower went out to sow." Mat 13:3