The "Schools of Support" programme: Strengthening mental health and emotional resilience

The Schools of Support programme was launched in the Sisak-Moslavina County as part of UNICEF’s response to the impact of the earthquake and the pandemic on children and young people. It is implemented in collaboration with the Forum for Freedom in Education, with the support of the Education and Teacher Training Agency, which participates in monitoring the program’s implementation and overseeing educational materials.

The programme aims to support mental health, strengthen psychosocial and socio-emotional competencies and resilience among children and young people, as well as educators, while fostering a safe and supportive school environment. 

UNICEF has been running the programme in partnership with the Forum for Freedom in Education since 2021. The programme currently includes 92 schools from the Sisak-Moslavina, Međimurje, Virovitica-Podravina, and Koprivnica-Križevci counties, with more than 35. 000 students empowered through its initiatives. UNICEF is working to raise funds to support the continued implementation and expansion of the "Schools od Support" programme to other parts of the Republic of Croatia, where the need for support is rapidly increasing.

"It means a lot to us to express our emotions and feelings in this way and to work through everything together. We are not alone—our teachers, school counselor, and friends are here for us. That gives us hope for a better future", shared Anamarija from Viktorovac Secondary School in Sisak.

"I really enjoy these workshops. Talking about mental health is important because we rarely start that conversation on our own. This encourages us to relax more, to truly talk, and to learn a lot—about mental health, about ourselves, and about others", said Vanda (16), a student at Sisak Economy School, one of the schools participating in the Schools of Support programme.

Both Viktorovac Secondary School and Sisak Economy School are among the more than thirty primary and secondary schools in Sisak-Moslavina County that have joined the Schools of Support program.

"The students' reactions during workshops often surprise us. When we work together, and they see that many of their classmates face similar challenges, they open up", shared Koraljka Porić, principal of Viktorovac Secondary School in Sisak.

"Through these workshops, students build stronger connections and open up parts of themselves they might not usually share. Many gain the courage to express thoughts they wouldn’t otherwise voice. And if they don’t feel comfortable speaking out loud, they can use drawing or writing to share what’s on their minds", explained Dalibor Brdarić, a geography teacher at Sisak Economy School, who has been carrying out workshops with students for several years. He added that the workshops are engaging and well-designed, helping both him and his students develop emotional competencies.

The experience in primary schools participating in the program has been equally positive.

"I can truly confirm that these workshops help children. We’ve conducted them with both younger and older students, and they have proven beneficial for us teachers as well, providing us with valuable insights into how children feel, what their concerns are, and how we can better support them", said Marinela Fabijan Gašparević, a school counselor from 22nd of June Primary School in Sisak.

"I’ve realized how I can overcome some of my fears and that I don’t have to be ashamed of them. I feel much calmer, and it’s easier for me now. I also enjoy making posters and discussing interesting topics, like today’s session on heroes. My heroes are my family—my mom, dad, and brother", shared Antun (11), adding that he now uses relaxation techniques when he feels stressed.

Workshops are also being held at Gvozd Primary School, where school counselor Ankica Rakas Drljan has noticed positive changes:

"The children feel supported and gain self-confidence. They open up and share their opinions without fear of being ridiculed. A significant aspect is that we, as educators, also share our own experiences and fears. This helps students realize that everyone has insecurities and that they are not alone. They become stronger, more confident, and more open."

Students from Gvozd Primary School’s fourth grade also shared their impressions with us.

"The most interesting workshop for me was when we talked about fear, and I realized that everyone has fears—even teachers! I learned that fear is nothing to be ashamed of and that it can even be useful in some situations, like in traffic. Sometimes I get nervous before an important soccer match, but during the workshops, I learned how to take deep breaths, and that helps me calm down", said Kristijan (10).

"I learned that all emotions are okay", added David (10).

You, too, can support the expansion of the Schools of Support program with your donation!