UNICEF, Republic Bank Launch Mental Health Programme in Region Two Schools

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.