Promoting Mental Health and Well-being: A Capstone Project
At PAIR, we are privileged to work with passionate and dedicated individuals who strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of refugee youth. One such individual is Buruj Musa, an outstanding occupational therapy doctoral student from Texas Women's University, who partnered with PAIR to complete her capstone project. Her focus on mental health within the refugee community has brought valuable insights and practical benefits to our programs. She was guided and supported by PAIR’s Middle School Program Director, Abbie Drozek-Fitzwater, who served as her project mentor. (Pictured Left).
The Importance of Mental Health in Refugee Communities
Refugee youth often face significant challenges, including trauma from their past experiences, cultural adjustments, and the stress of adapting to a new environment. Mental health support is crucial in helping them navigate these challenges and achieve their full potential. Research and initiatives like Buruj’s are essential in developing effective strategies to address the unique needs of refugee populations. By focusing on psychosocial health, we can foster resilience, improve overall well-being, and support the successful integration of refugee youth into their new communities.
Buruj Musa’s Capstone Project
Buruj’s capstone project was a comprehensive approach to understanding and enhancing the mental health of refugee students. She developed a series of activities aimed at promoting psychosocial health with our lunch program students at Las Americas / Jane Long Academy. These activities were designed to be both educational and engaging, providing students with practical tools to manage stress and anxiety.
Techniques and Activities
One of the core components of Buruj’s project was teaching students stress reduction techniques. Simple but effective practices, such as breathing exercises, were introduced to help students manage their stress levels. These exercises can be easily incorporated into their daily routines, providing them with a reliable method to calm their minds and bodies. In addition to stress reduction techniques, Buruj organized various crafts and hands-on activities aimed at promoting relaxation and creativity. These activities not only provided a fun and therapeutic outlet for the students but also helped to build a sense of community and support among them.
Celebrating Success
The culmination of Buruj’s project was her capstone dissemination and graduation ceremony, where she presented her findings and shared the positive impact of her work with the PAIR community. The event was a celebration of her hard work and dedication, as well as a testament to the importance of mental health initiatives in supporting refugee youth. Buruj has successfully graduated with her occupational therapy degree, and we are incredibly proud of her accomplishments. She is now preparing for her board exams to officially become a doctor. Her journey and achievements serve as an inspiration to all of us at PAIR, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions to our mission.
Looking Ahead
At PAIR, we remain committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of refugee youth. Projects like Buruj’s highlight the critical need for research and practical interventions in this field. By continuing to collaborate with passionate individuals and organizations, we can ensure that refugee youth receive the support they need to thrive. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Buruj Musa for her exceptional work and dedication. Her project has left a lasting impact on our students and has furthered our understanding of how to best support the mental health of refugee youth.
For more information on our programs and how you can support our mission, please visit our pairhouston.org/programs or contact us directly. Together, we can create a brighter future for refugee youth.
