The project will address depression and other mental health issues (substance abuse, anxiety and suicide) among Secondary School Students 13 - 19 years; promote healthy development of adolescents, protect their physical & mental health and prevent emotional and behavioural problems through training them and equipping them with problem solving skills and interpersonal skills; building self-esteem and confidence; developing coping skills to manage emotions and engaging in community services.
Adolescents 13-19 years constitute almost a fifth of Nigeria's population, and are exposed to a broad range of mental issues (depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide). A lot of mental health issues seen in adults start by 14 years. More so, adolescence is associated with a lot of social crisis; seeking intimacy with peers, independence and identity; which could lead to behavioral and emotional problems such as truancy, low academic performance, social withdrawal and possibly suicide.
This project will promote the healthy development of 150 adolescents, promote and protect their physical & mental health and prevent emotional and behavioural problems by training the adolescents to be health ambassadors in their schools.
1. The program will be sustained through training of other students by the trained health ambassadors (peer educators) 2. Training of at least two (2) teachers in each schools on mental health issues among adolescents and management of these issues.
