A NEW partnership aimed at strengthening mental health support for adolescents in Region Two was formalised on Wednesday, as the United Nations Children’s Fund and Republic Bank signed an agreement to expand access to youth-focused services in schools and communities.
The agreement, signed at Republic Bank’s Conference Centre on New Market Street in Georgetown, brings together public and private sector stakeholders to address growing concerns about adolescent mental health in Guyana.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health were among those in attendance, underscoring the collaborative nature of the initiative. A symbolic green bow and heart pin presentation marked the signing ceremony.
Republic Bank Director, Toussant Boyce, said the initiative falls under the bank’s “Power to Make a Difference” programme, which focuses on creating lasting social impact, particularly among young people.
He explained that the partnership will support the development of youth-friendly mental health facilities in schools and at the primary healthcare level across Region Two (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). These services, he noted, will also be inclusive of persons living with disabilities.
Dr. Boyce emphasised that many adolescents remain reluctant to seek help, often due to stigma, and stressed that the programme aims to change that perception.
“Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but strength,” he told the gathering, adding that the initiative is designed to foster a healthier future for young people.
UNICEF’s Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Javier Cordoba, described the agreement as a critical step toward ensuring that adolescents are supported and empowered.
He noted that while adolescence is a period of opportunity, it is also marked by vulnerability, with young people facing pressures related to academics, social expectations, family dynamics, and the influence of digital environments.
Cordoba highlighted that across the Caribbean, many adolescents struggle in silence due to stigma, limited services, and lack of awareness. He warned that strengthening mental health systems in Guyana is not only important but urgent.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensure that every child and young person is supported, heard and empowered to thrive,” he said.
Under the initiative, UNICEF and Republic Bank, in coordination with government agencies, will work to expand mental health awareness, promote positive coping strategies, and create safe spaces for adolescents in schools, homes, and communities.
UNICEF Health Officer, Joann Simpson, revealed that recent data indicate significant mental health challenges among Guyanese youth. She reported that approximately 17.5 per cent of boys are affected by mental health disorders, with broader regional data pointing to high levels of adolescent vulnerability.
Simpson also highlighted ongoing concerns, including stigma, self-harm, and limited access to community-based support services.
Over the next year, the programme is expected to reach approximately 6,500 individuals in Region Two, delivering coping skills training and wellbeing services through schools and primary healthcare systems.
The initiative will also focus on early detection and intervention, with plans to train 15 primary healthcare workers and 25 guidance counsellors. Additionally, peer educators and teachers will be equipped to identify early signs of mental health challenges among students.
Special provisions will be made to ensure accessibility, including the issuance of identification cards to persons living with disabilities to facilitate access to services.
Officials say the partnership represents a significant step toward addressing gaps in adolescent mental health care, while reinforcing the role of cross-sector collaboration in building a more resilient and supportive environment for Guyana’s youth.
