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The Role of Schools in Promoting Protective Factors For Students

Where You Are | S5 E8 | July 24, 2024

 

When we look at the mental health and well-being of children and youth, protective factors can help buffer against negative life experiences and support student wellbeing. When it comes to supporting protective factors, schools play an important role. In this episode we are joined by Silas, (a grade 12 student), Nathan (School District Deputy Superintendent) and Hasina (Associate Professor and researcher) to:

  • learn more about what we mean by ‘protective factors’ 
  • offer strategies for school professionals on how to support students’ sense of belonging and build supportive relationships with students at their schools
  • share resources that schools can look to

 

Transcript

Guest bios

Silas
Student

Silas is a two-spirit high school student. Xe is part of the Youth Development Instrument’s Youth Advisory Council and is an advocate for the safety of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in xyr school district. In xyr free time, xe is a playwright. 

Nathan Ngieng
School Deputy District Superintendent

For over 25 years, Nathan Ngieng has been an educator in the B.C. public education system and an advocate for the meaningful inclusion of student voice and agency in educational change initiatives. He is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Schools in the Abbotsford School District, where he leads and supports the strategic direction and planning for middle schools, focusing on equitable and inclusive school environments.

Dr. Hasina Samji
Associate Professor

Dr. Hasina Samji is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, a Senior Scientist in Population Mental Wellbeing at the BC Centre for Disease Control, and the Director of the Capturing Health and Resilience Trajectories (chartlab.ca) lab.

She completed her PhD in infectious disease epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and is an expert in youth mental health and well-being, intersectoral collaboration, linked datasets, and school health.

Dr. Samji leads the Youth Development Instrument (YDI), an interdisciplinary study measuring predictors of positive youth well-being, mental health, and development in high school students. Youth engagement and collaborative, intersectoral design are core to the YDI’s mission and success. In 2023, she became a US National Academy of Sciences Kavli Fellow.

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Through real stories, expertise, and practical tips, this podcast helps families promote their mental health and wellness, navigating important topics to meet you where you are in your journey.