Mind Matters
To build emotionally supportive, stigma-free learning environments by empowering teachers in LMICs with practical, culturally grounded tools to support student mental health.
Keywords: mental health, teacher empowerment, youth well-being
Mental Health is a critical but most underfunded public health issue in LMICs. For young people especially, depression is a leading cause of death across all countries and socioeconomic groups. Schools often serve as the first — and sometimes only — social spaces where children’s emotional well-being can be noticed and nurtured. Yet, in LMICs, teachers receive little or no training in mental health literacy, stigma reduction, or equitable classroom support. Many unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes around gender, mental illness, or “success,” which can affect students’ self-esteem and help-seeking behaviors. By starting with teachers, the everyday mediators of student experience, this project aims to shift school culture toward openness, empathy, and mental health awareness.
Skillset needs: We will likely need an interdisciplinary team that includes a psychology student to guide mental health literacy and intervention design, an education student to integrate well-being practices into curricula and teacher training, and media or design students to create engaging educational videos and learning tools. Overall, anyone interested in education or healthcare is welcome to join.
Contact: Assel Ibadulla