In 1978 David took his family to Iceland and stayed on the island of Heimey which had had a major eruption in 1973. He provided graphic photos of the damage caused to the fishing town, and the remrkable change to the landscape. While the lava took out part of the town, the remainder had up to 6 metres of ash whch was painstakingly removed by residents who returned after evacuation. While there, the Jarman family walked into the still warm crater. A nearby island of Surtsey was created in 1963 through similar volcanic action.
My journey in Rotary began when I became the charter president of the Interact Club of Dhaka. I was introduced to the power of service at a young age, leading projects that focused on education, environmental sustainability, and health. These experiences solidified my commitment to serving others. But it wasn’t until I faced a heartbreaking personal loss that my Rotary involvement took a profound turn.When a senior volunteer from our community tragically took their own life, I was overwhelmed with grief. The pain of losing someone sparked a deep sense of responsibility within me, and I knew something had to be done to address the mental health challenges that so many suffer from in silence. This loss became the catalyst for the creation of Project Talk Hope, a joint initiative by the Interact Club of Dhaka, the Rotaract Club of Dhaka Orchid, and the organization SHADOW.
The Birth of Project Talk Hope
We launched Project Talk Hope with a simple yet urgent objective: to prevent suicides and promote mental health awareness. Mental health issues, often misunderstood and stigmatized in our society, contribute to the loss of nearly 800,000 lives globally each year. In Bangladesh alone, about 10,000 people take their own lives annually, and youth are particularly vulnerable.
Through Project Talk Hope, we provide free psychological support while raising awareness of the issues surrounding mental health. Our virtual helpline offers confidential counseling, while our seminars reach students, parents, and educators across cities like Dhaka, Cumilla, Gazipur, and Sylhet.
Expanding Our Reach
Our future plans include launching a mobile app and website to offer around-the-clock access to mental health resources. These tools will further empower communities to seek help and build resilience. Our workshops also train volunteers to offer crisis support, ensuring that help is available when it’s needed most.
Project Talk Hope has received both local and international recognition. Recently, I was honored to be nominated for the International Children's Peace Prize for my contributions to mental health advocacy through this initiative. This recognition validates the impact we are having on the mental health crisis.
Looking Ahead
Our journey with Project Talk Hope is only just beginning. We are committed to breaking the stigma around mental health, empowering communities, and ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles. If this mission resonates with you, I invite you to share this story or support us by attending our events or workshops.
