More than 25 teachers and guidance counsellors from Region Two have completed training aimed at strengthening their capacity to support the mental health and wellbeing of adolescents, according to a statement from UNICEF Guyana.
The three-day Help Adolescents Thrive (HAT) training programme was held from June 17 to 19 under a partnership between UNICEF Guyana and Republic Bank Guyana Limited, with support from the Ministry of Education and the Adolescent Health Unit.
According to the statement, participants were equipped with practical tools and evidence-based approaches to help build students’ social and emotional skills, identify signs of emotional distress and connect adolescents with appropriate support services when necessary.
UNICEF said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen support systems for adolescents and foster safe and supportive school environments.
“Mental health is a critical component of adolescent wellbeing and development,” UNICEF Guyana Health Officer Joann Simpson was quoted as saying.
Simpson noted that the programme focuses on strengthening the capacity of teachers and guidance counsellors to help adolescents develop social and emotional skills, which she described as essential for promoting mental wellbeing and preventing mental health challenges.
The statement highlighted adolescence as a critical stage of development and noted that supportive relationships within schools can contribute significantly to resilience, wellbeing and positive life outcomes. Through the HAT programme, educators are provided with skills to foster positive interactions with students and create environments where adolescents feel comfortable seeking assistance.
Branch Sales Manager of Republic Bank’s Anna Regina branch, Guitree Ramsamooj, said the bank was pleased to support the initiative alongside UNICEF and government partners.
According to Ramsamooj, strengthening the capacity of teachers and guidance counsellors will help build support systems capable of positively impacting the lives of adolescents over the long term.
UNICEF said the training programme is one component of a wider partnership between the organisation and Republic Bank Guyana aimed at promoting positive mental health and wellbeing among adolescents and strengthening community-based support systems.
In April this year, UNICEF and Republic Bank Guyana launched a partnership focused on improving adolescent mental health and psychosocial support across the country. The collaboration seeks to increase awareness, build the capacity of frontline professionals and expand access to support services for young people.
According to the statement, the initiative includes targeted investments in schools and communities and aims to ensure adolescents have access to the knowledge, resources and support needed to thrive.
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