Delhi Private School (DPS) Sharjah hosted the second edition of its flagship youth mental health conclave, Project Unboxed, bringing together students, educators, counsellors, and mental health experts for a full day of insight, dialogue, and collaborative learning.
This year’s theme, “Mapping the Mental Health of Our Communities,” expanded the scope of its debut edition, reflecting the school’s ongoing commitment to building emotionally aware, empathetic, and future-ready youth.
In her opening address, Principal & Director Ms. Vandana Marwaha highlighted the school’s mission to strengthen emotional well-being across generations: “As we begin the second chapter of Project Unboxed, we continue the journey of opening mindsets, challenging assumptions, and nurturing an environment of care—one where dialogue turns into action and empathy becomes the foundation of growth.”
The event was presided over by Dr. Maya AlHawary, the first Emirati academically specialised in emotional intelligence, who spoke about the growing mental health pressures young people face in a technology-driven era.“The ability to understand your inner self is becoming more challenging as artificial intelligence begins to outpace emotional intelligence,” she said. “This era calls for higher mental resilience and self-belief than ever before.”
Project Unboxed featured seven specialised committees, each addressing a key dimension of youth mental health, including mental health in the metaverse, eco-anxiety, neuroscience and regulation, stigma and bias, substance misuse, movement and resilience, and neurodiversity inclusion—led by regional and global experts.
Reflecting on the impact of the initiative, Ms. Elizabeth Surya, Supervisor – Well-being and founding pillar of Project Unboxed, said: “Our students are actively mapping the mental health landscape of their generation. Their courage drives this movement, and educators and parents stand beside them as allies. Together, they are unboxing conversations that matter—where mental health is not feared but championed.”
Adding to the academic depth, Arjun Ramaswamy, PhD scholar at University College London and DPS Sharjah alumnus, shared: “The power of your voice travels faster than stigma. The school’s motto of ‘service before self’ is not just written in books—it is a living expression of empathy in action.”
The conclave held on October 25, 20205 concluded with interactive art showcases, expert panels, and an awards ceremony recognising the most innovative student contributions.
Through Project Unboxed, Delhi Private School, Sharjah continues to champion a culture where emotional awareness and empathy form the cornerstones of student growth, paving the way for resilient, compassionate communities of tomorrow.
