More than 600 students gathered at Abraham Zuil Secondary School on Monday as UNICEF, Republic Bank Guyana and the Ministry of Education launched a school-based initiative aimed at improving adolescent mental health, encouraging positive self-expression and creating more supportive learning environments across Region Two.
The October 12 event marked the start of the rollout of the Help Adolescents Thrive (HAT) programme in nine secondary schools in the region. The initiative will engage students in activities promoting emotional well-being, positive thinking, peer support and open discussions about the challenges young people face.
A key feature of the launch was its student-led approach, giving adolescents a platform to share their experiences and perspectives while emphasising the importance of listening to young people when developing supportive school environments.
Republic Bank Guyana Branch Sales Manager Guitree Ramsamooj said the partnership with UNICEF reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting adolescents’ mental health and well-being.
“At Republic Bank, we believe in the power to make a difference, and through our partnership with UNICEF, we are proud to invest in the mental health and well-being of adolescents in Region Two. By helping young people feel heard, supported and empowered to navigate life’s challenges, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and help create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive,” Ramsamooj said.
UNICEF Health Officer in Guyana, Dr. Joann Simson, stressed that young people should feel respected, understood and able to seek help when dealing with emotional or mental health challenges.
“Every child and adolescent matters. Every young person deserves to feel loved, respected, heard and supported. 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. By listening to our young people and creating safe spaces for them to share their experiences, we can help them build the confidence and resilience to thrive.”
The launch coincided with activities marking World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, and Mental Health Month. This year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” highlights the importance of listening to people’s experiences and ensuring their perspectives inform how mental health is understood and addressed.
Throughout October, the programme will be introduced in the remaining eight secondary schools in Region Two. The activities are intended to encourage conversations about mental health, challenge stigma and help students feel safer expressing their emotions and seeking support.
The launch concluded with students signing a “Wall of Hope” at the school’s entrance, leaving positive messages, affirmations and words of encouragement. The wall is intended to serve as a continuing reminder of hope, kindness, resilience and mutual support.
The initiative builds on a partnership launched in April 2026 between UNICEF and Republic Bank Guyana Limited to strengthen adolescent mental health and psychosocial support across Guyana. The collaboration focuses on raising awareness, building the capacity of frontline professionals and expanding access to supportive services for adolescents.
Through the partnership with the Ministry of Education, the HAT programme seeks to bring mental health awareness directly into schools and encourage young people to take an active role in creating environments where their well-being is valued and supported.
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, works in 190 countries and territories to protect children’s rights and improve their well-being, with particular attention to children facing the greatest disadvantages.
