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Depression and isolation amongst youth have been serious problems in educational settings for over a decade. Our challenge was to find ways to increase positive social relations between pre-high school youth. Using an assets-based strategy and community development practices, we built a digital toolkit for youth ages 9 to 14. Our toolkit, “Empowering Youth: A Mental Well-Being Toolkit for Educational Settings,” helps reinforce the values that stem from positive social relations, mental health, and well-being as well as open channels of communication between youth and educators. Our toolkit focuses on introducing students to activities that build their self-awareness in recognizing and understanding their unique emotional patterns and how these relate to those around them. Our toolkit can be used by those who work in community-based organizations, recreational programs, schools, and after-school programs, etc. We wish to create a foundation of resilience so youth are better prepared for their future.
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"I truly believe that alternative methods of education can have overwhealming positive and long-lasting effects on youth. It is increseangly concerning the amount of over-stilumation and pressure younger generations face nowadays. We need to re-think the way in which mental health awarness is being taught within educational settings. I hope this toolkit serves as an introductory resource for students, facilitators and even the general public."
Fernanda Sierra Suarez
BA, Culture and Expression (20')
"A close friend of mine committed suicide while in university. He had turrets as a child and experienced a tremendous amount of bullying. I always wish I had known him when he was younger so I could have helped him when he needed it most. Even though he appeared happy the effects of bullying never left him. Children are so vulnerable. The smallest thing can have a lasting effect on them and mold their adult life. I genuinely believe that teaching youth to love and care for themselves is the first step in building their mental wellbeing."
Elsie Mahendran
BA, Professional Writing (21')
"Having suffered poor mental health myself and seen people I care about go through rough times, I am strongly passionate about mental health issues. I understand the profound effect your mental health can have so it's important for kids to learn resilience so they'll have the tools to deal with difficult times in their life."
Leya Chodhury
BES (21')
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We would like to thank the incredible support and mentorship of:
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We understand that the journey towards a healthy mind, body, and soul is deeply personal and unique. Although our toolkit is focused on introductory activities aimed at youth in educational settings., we believe it can also serve as a starting point for all. As children spend the majority of their childhood within the educational setting, whether public or private, it is important that these systems are continuously adapted to suit the needs of our youth. One of the best ways to talk about mental health is through contact-based education which allows students to share their stories and form deeper connections. As adults, leaders, and caregivers, it is our responsibility to nurture the next generation and empower our youth to become the best versions of themselves.
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Feel free to click on the circles to find out how this project can impact each group.
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The end goal in our eyes will always be striving to reach youth. Whether that means going through the education system, after-school programs, or mental health institutes we want our toolkit to reach the hands of those who would find it beneficial. We hope our toolkit can find a home in the hearts of those who need it most - people who are looking to find stability and reassurance that they can handle anything that comes their way.
Due to the current state of the world, our toolkit can not be used as intended, nevertheless, we hope that in the future it will be adopted and tested in various settings. We also hope to collaborate directly with youth so they can have direct input and feedback on the resources we are providing for them.
Last but certainly not least, this toolkit was designed taking into consideration issues of inclusivity, representation, and accessibility. Nevertheless, we recognize we have shortcomings and therefore, have much room for growth. We would love to expand this project so that the toolkit moves to an online interactive platform and it is easier to navigate -- providing more activities for students with disabilities.