Mental health among adolescents has become a growing concern worldwide, with a significant impact on the well-being, academic performance, and social inclusion of young people. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and eating disorders affect a significant proportion of this population, potentially leading to school dropout, emotional problems, and risky behaviors. In light of this reality, the World Health Organization recommends strengthening early detection, raising awareness in educational settings, and preventing associated factors, such as drug use.
In response to this challenge, the Dalal Xel Mental Health Center in Thiès, Senegal, has developed an awareness program for middle and high school teachers and students to promote a culture of emotional well-being, facilitate the early identification of mental health disorders, and improve referrals for cases requiring specialized care. The initiative aims to strengthen the educational community's capacity to address mental health in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.
Since its launch in 2022 in two schools in Thiès, the project has demonstrated positive results by fostering a cultural shift regarding the relationship between mental health, gender, addiction, and the environment. Building on this experience, the program aims to expand to four additional schools in 2024, actively engaging students, teachers, local institutions, and health authorities. The initiative thus contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being (SDG 3) and quality education (SDG 4).
