Sesama Project Encourages Self-Love

The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) advances its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals through Sesama Project, a student initiative focused on strengthening mental health awareness among young people. The program supports SDG 3 on good health and well-being and SDG 4 on quality education by encouraging self-awareness, empathy, and personal development through experiential learning.

Mental health remains a pressing issue as data from the World Health Organization and Indonesia’s Basic Health Research (RISKESDAS) show a steady increase in depression and anxiety cases. In response, students from the Department of Communication Science, FISIP USU, created Sesama Project to inspire youth to practice self-love as a foundation for maintaining mental balance and spreading positivity within their communities.

The activities were conducted at Car Free Day Medan on September 21 and at the FISIP USU campus on September 29, supported by DiscoverMe and CIMSA Faculty of Medicine USU. The campaign featured interactive experiences such as free psychological consultations, a confession box for emotional expression, and reflective games promoting self-acceptance and social connection.

By transforming mental health discussions into accessible and engaging public activities, Sesama Project bridges academic knowledge with social impact. It emphasizes that self-love is not only a personal mindset but also a collective practice contributing to inclusive mental well-being.

The initiative cultivated a supportive environment that empowered participants to share openly, recognize their worth, and connect with others facing similar struggles. This engagement strengthened solidarity among young people while aligning with national and global efforts to promote mental resilience and reduce stigma surrounding psychological issues.

Through Sesama Project, students of FISIP USU reaffirm their role as changemakers who integrate communication science with social responsibility. The program exemplifies the university’s ongoing contribution to the SDGs by fostering healthier communities, empowering youth leadership, and embedding compassion and self-awareness into the broader pursuit of sustainable development.