Semarang, January 9-10, 2025 – Pusat Kajian Konseling Pendidikan dan Komunitas (PK2PK) BK FIPP UNNES invites students, lecturers, practitioners, and the public to play a crucial role in promoting mental health literacy and well-being for adolescents and special populations through its annual event, “Sparkling” (Seputar Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling). This marks the sixth iteration of the event, which has contributed significantly to improving these groups’ understanding of mental health literacy and well-being. The event features four webinar speakers and two workshop facilitators over two days via Zoom.


Dean of FIPP UNNES, Prof. Dr. Edy Purwanto, M.Si, opened the sixth Sparkling event, commending the implementation of this scientific activity organized by the BK FIPP UNNES starting in 2025. In the first webinar session, Eem Munawaroh, M.Pd as a lecturer at Guidance and Counseling FIPP UNNES, pointed out that when a person isolates themselves for days, loses interest in interacting with others or eating, and then questions the impact on their well-being, it signifies the presence of mental health literacy.
Following this, Alifia Rizki Farhani, S.Pd., Kons, discussed the role of counselors in improving mental health in the context of widespread information and self-diagnosis. She explained, “Counselors play a dual role in mental health: preventive and curative. Competent counselors can guide clients to reliable information about mental health from credible sources for preventive efforts. For curative efforts, counselors provide counseling services that assist individuals in enhancing their mental health,” explained Alifia Rizki Farhani, a Professional Counselor and the Founder of Soulsync.
Rudi Haryadi, M.Pd., Chair of the PD ABKIN of South Kalimantan, and Dr. Ashari Mahfud, M.Pd., a lecturer at Guidance and Counseling FIPP UNNES, continued as the third and fourth speakers of the webinar. They emphasized the need for special population studies to enhance community-based well-being and mental health from a cultural standpoint. Rudi Haryadi underscored that there is a systemic shift in the role of counselors during this era of social justice. He stated that counselors should be seen as advocates who protect clients from adverse environments and as academics addressing problems through research. Meanwhile, Ashari Mahfud highlighted the necessity for counselors to adopt a new paradigm that integrates existing cultural values, such as the Mangkunegaran Philosophy, which promotes a shared understanding and struggle concerning mental health.
On the second day of the Sparkling activities, the Guidance and Counseling FIPP UNNES conducted a workshop to help participants hone their mental health and counseling skills through discussion and practical worksheets. Eem Munawaroh, M.Pd., led participants in identifying mental health stigma, understanding the fundamental concepts of mental health literacy, and analyzing different types of mental disorders. Dr. Ashari Mahfud, M.Pd., then assisted participants in deepening their understanding of the preparation stages and counseling techniques of “Counseling Iso Trimorogo—Integrative Social Justice Based on the Tri Darma Mangkunegaran.” Participants actively engaged by asking questions, and at the end of the session, awards were presented to the most active participants, followed by a group photo.
This year’s Sparkling event is more than just a gathering; it celebrates community, knowledge, and progress. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for mental health literacy and well-being for all adolescents and special populations.