Oct 17, 2026
2 min read
Nine secondary schools in Region Two are rolling out a programme designed to help students talk more openly about mental health and the emotional challenges they face.
The Help Adolescents Thrive programme began on October 12 at Abraham Zuil School, where more than 600 students attended a student-led assembly.
The initiative is being implemented through a partnership involving UNICEF, Republic Bank Guyana and the Ministry of Education.
A UNICEF release explained that at the launch, students shared their experiences and perspectives, helping to highlight the pressures young people face and the importance of creating school environments where they feel heard and supported.
UNICEF Health Officer Dr Joann Simson said the programme aims to reassure adolescents that their feelings matter and that seeking help should not be a source of shame.
“Through the Help Adolescents Thrive programme, we want every student to know that they are not alone, that their feelings matter, and that it is okay to speak up and ask for help,” she said.
The initiative is intended to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage students to express their concerns rather than struggle with them in silence.
Republic Bank Branch Sales Manager Guitree Ramsamoos said the partnership is focused on helping young people feel heard and supported as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.
As part of the launch at Abraham Zuil, students signed a “Wall of Hope”, sharing positive messages and words of encouragement. The display was placed at the school's entrance as a reminder of the importance of kindness and looking out for one another.
Activities at the remaining eight secondary schools are scheduled to take place throughout October.
The rollout follows World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, and brings attention to the emotional well-being of adolescents in the school system.
However, details on whether the programme includes additional counselling services, confidential individual support or referral arrangements for students requiring professional assistance were not provided.
