Mental Health Enhancement of Deaf Youth
The Mental Health Enhancement for Deaf Youth (M.E.H.O.D.Y.) project is an ongoing disability-inclusive mental-health initiative implemented in Nagarjun Municipality. It aims to strengthen mental-health awareness, family communication, emotional support, peer networks, and social inclusion for Deaf children, adolescents, and young people.
The project brings together Deaf Role Models, parents and caregivers, Deaf community organizations, sign-language interpreters, mental-health professionals, and local stakeholders. Major activities include Deaf Role Model capacity-building, positive-parenting workshops, accessible IEC material co-creation, stakeholder engagement, and Nepali Sign Language training for parents and caregivers.
A three-day capacity-building programme prepared Deaf Role Models in mental-health awareness, facilitation, empathy, confidentiality, ethical peer support, and school and community sensitization. Parent workshops addressed child development, emotional distress, supportive communication, positive discipline, and stronger parent–child relationships.
A two-day participatory IEC workshop developed the structure of a parenting guide covering Deafness, adolescent development, communication, positive parenting, safety, education, available services, and mental well-being. A 15-day basic Nepali Sign Language course also supported parents and project members in improving communication with Deaf children and understanding Deaf culture.
Through family-centred, communication-accessible, and community-based interventions, M.E.H.O.D.Y. is helping reduce communication barriers and create safer, more inclusive support systems for Deaf children and youth.
Key Project Figures
Parents and caregivers completing sign-language training: 16
Deaf Role Models, volunteers, interpreters, and team members involved in capacity-building: 14
Deaf Role Model training: 3 days
Parental modelling workshop: 3 days
IEC co-creation workshop: 2 days
Basic Nepali Sign Language training: 15 days
Deaf Role Models, volunteers, interpreters, and team members involved in capacity-building: 14
Deaf Role Model training: 3 days
Parental modelling workshop: 3 days
IEC co-creation workshop: 2 days
Basic Nepali Sign Language training: 15 days
Project Implementation Officer: Mr. Anil K.C. and Ms. Samriddhi Lamsal
Primary Focus: Deaf-inclusive mental health, family communication, positive parenting, peer support, accessible IEC materials, and sign language
Primary Focus: Deaf-inclusive mental health, family communication, positive parenting, peer support, accessible IEC materials, and sign language
Project Investigator: Mr. Sujan Thapa, Ms. Shristi Subedi Ms. Anisha Chaudhary and Mr. Sujal K.C.,
Project Site: Nagarjun Municipality
Current Status: Ongoing
Project Site: Nagarjun Municipality
Current Status: Ongoing
