LEO Kanan Faysal: Leading Mental Health Change
In a country where conversations around mental health remain heavily stigmatized, 21-year-old LEO member Kanan Faysal has risen as a transformative force, leading a youth-driven movement to promote mental wellness and prevent suicide. Through his visionary leadership and tireless dedication, Faysal has positively impacted the lives of thousands of young people across Bangladesh.
Born on July 13, 2003, in Narayanganj District, Faysal’s journey into mental health advocacy was deeply personal. While pursuing Civil Engineering at Uttara University, he faced the heartbreaking loss of a fellow youth leader to suicide—an experience that galvanized him into action. Determined to create change, he set out to break the silence surrounding mental health struggles among Bangladesh’s youth.
On February 29, 2024, Faysal founded Talk Hope, a youth-led platform dedicated to providing free counseling services, awareness workshops, and open dialogue on psychological well-being.
“We realized that without conversations around mental health, we continue to lose lives silently,” Faysal shared.
Under his dynamic leadership as Chief Coordinator, Talk Hope has experienced remarkable growth. In just over a year, it organized more than 120 seminars and workshops, reaching over 30,000 students across schools, colleges, and universities throughout Bangladesh. By collaborating with licensed psychologists and trained counselors, Talk Hope ensures that professional mental health support is accessible even to young people in rural and underserved areas.
Recognizing the power of technology, Faysal and his team also launched an active online counseling platform offering confidential and free emotional support. Their engaging social media campaigns, webinars, and outreach initiatives have played a crucial role in dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health.
Faysal’s commitment to service extends beyond Talk Hope. As a dedicated LEO leader, he previously served as President of the Leo Club of Dhaka Dynamic One and the Rotaract Club of Dhaka Orchid, leading numerous community welfare and youth development projects. He currently holds the position of Director at SHADOW (Society for Humanity Development Over the World), further amplifying his impact on social causes.
His remarkable contributions have been recognized nationally and internationally. Rotary International honored him with the Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) award, and Bangladesh Scouts awarded him the National Service Award for his outstanding service to youth welfare.
Looking ahead, Kanan Faysal envisions a Bangladesh where mental health education is seamlessly integrated into school curricula.
“We must build a culture where seeking help is celebrated as a sign of strength,” he emphasizes.
“Only then can we nurture a resilient, compassionate generation ready to shape a better future.”
Through his extraordinary passion, leadership, and service, LEO Kanan Faysal exemplifies the spirit of Lionism — proving that one determined young leader can ignite hope and change lives across an entire nation.
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