Over 25 Region 2 educators trained to support adolescent mental health

Over 25 teachers and guidance counsellors from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have completed specialised training aimed at strengthening their ability to support the mental health and wellbeing of adolescents.
The three-day Help Adolescents Thrive (HAT) training programme, held from June 17 to 19, was implemented by UNICEF Guyana and funded by Republic Bank Guyana Limited in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Adolescent Health Unit.
The programme equipped participants with practical tools and evidence-based approaches to help students build social and emotional skills, identify signs of emotional distress, and connect adolescents with appropriate support services.
According to UNICEF Guyana, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen support systems for adolescents and create safe school environments where young people can learn and develop.
The Health Officer at UNICEF Guyana, Joann Simpson, said mental health is a key component of adolescent wellbeing and development.
“I am especially pleased that this training focuses on building the capacity of teachers and guidance counsellors to support adolescents in developing social and emotional skills. This is essential for promoting mental wellbeing and preventing mental health conditions. Prevention deserves our focused attention, now more than ever,” Simpson said.
UNICEF noted that adolescence is a critical stage of development and that supportive relationships within schools can play a major role in building resilience and improving outcomes for young people. Through the HAT programme, educators are equipped with strategies to foster positive interactions and create environments where students feel safe seeking help.
Branch Sales Manager of Republic Bank Guyana’s Anna Regina Branch, Guitree Ramsamooj, said the bank is committed to supporting initiatives that promote adolescent wellbeing.
“Republic Bank Guyana is proud to support this important initiative alongside UNICEF and our government partners. Region Two’s young people deserve environments where they feel supported, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential. By investing in the capacity of teachers and guidance counsellors, we are helping to build stronger support systems that can positively impact the lives of adolescents for years to come,” Ramsamooj said.
The HAT training is part of a broader partnership launched by UNICEF Guyana and Republic Bank Guyana Limited in April 2026 to strengthen adolescent mental health and psychosocial support across Guyana.
The partnership focuses on increasing awareness, building the capacity of frontline professionals and expanding access to mental health support services through schools and communities, with the aim of ensuring adolescents have the resources and support needed to thrive.