Under the Special Projects Avenue and as part of the first phase of the Together SL initiative, the Rotaract Club of Kandy organized Project Maathru. This remarkable initiative focused on raising awareness about the mental health of pregnant mothers in the village of Unambuwa. Held at the Unambuwa Medical Health Office on the 19th of November 2022, the session aimed to provide support and education to expectant mothers in the area. This joint effort involved the collaboration of multiple Rotaract Clubs, including RAC Kurunegala, RAC Athugalpura, RAC Kandy Hill Capital, RAC Uva, Wellassa University – Badulla, RAC Senkadagala, and RAC Peace City Hatton.
Pregnancy is a transformative period in a woman’s life, filled with physical and emotional changes. However, the mental health aspect of pregnancy often receives less attention, despite its crucial impact on the well-being of both the mother and the unborn child. Recognizing this gap, Project Maathru sought to shed light on the mental health challenges faced by expectant mothers and provide them with the necessary support and resources.
Project Maathru exemplified the power of collaboration and community engagement. The Rotaract Clubs of Kandy, Kurunegala, Athugalpura, Kandy Hill Capital, Uva, Wellassa University – Badulla, Senkadagala, and Peace City Hatton came together to pool their resources, expertise, and passion for the betterment of pregnant mothers in the Unambuwa village. By joining forces, these clubs maximized their impact and created a broader platform for addressing mental health concerns among expectant mothers.
The awareness session conducted at the Unambuwa Medical Health Office proved to be an enlightening and empowering experience for the pregnant mothers in attendance. Led by mental health professionals and experts, the session provided valuable insights into various aspects of mental well-being during pregnancy. It covered topics such as managing stress, dealing with anxiety, maintaining a positive mindset, and seeking support when needed. The expectant mothers were encouraged to openly discuss their concerns and challenges, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and empathy.
Project Maathru not only aimed to raise awareness but also sought to ensure that expectant mothers had access to the necessary support and resources. The initiative facilitated the establishment of ongoing mental health programs and services in collaboration with local healthcare providers. This sustainable approach aimed to address the mental health needs of pregnant mothers beyond the awareness session, ensuring that they receive continued support throughout their pregnancy journey.
Project Maathru epitomized the Rotaract spirit of service and compassion. By organizing this initiative, the participating Rotaract Clubs demonstrated their commitment to the well-being of their communities. The joint effort showcased the power of collaboration in tackling pressing social issues and making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Through Project Maathru, the Rotaract Club of Kandy and its partner clubs showcased the importance of mental health in pregnancy and set an example for other communities to follow.
