Social-Emotional Learning and Youth Mental Health

The project focuses on the systematic implementation of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in preschool, primary, and secondary education across several regions of the Czech Republic. In cooperation with the WHO, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education, we are creating conditions in schools where children and adolescents can develop key life skills. We draw on scientifically proven findings indicating that the development of social-emotional skills is one of the most effective protective factors against mental health issues and other risk phenomena.

We are developing a comprehensive toolkit to facilitate the introduction of social-emotional learning across all levels of education. We will pilot these materials in six schools, where systematic teacher training, regular facilitated meetings of implementation teams, and active parent involvement will take place. We connect schools and involve not only parents but also other professional partners to ensure the SEL implementation is sustainable and of high quality in the long term.

Based on systematic data collection and the evaluation of project outputs, we will finalize the materials in collaboration with an expert group and prepare them for further dissemination. The project outcome is a verified and practice-based preventive tool that contributes to creating a safe and supportive environment where children can develop and learn in a healthy way. The project also includes mapping existing programs that support mental health and prevention in schools. This allows us to better identify opportunities to unify practices and propose effective pathways for developing systemic mental health support.

This project is implemented in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic. This project is being implemented under a contribution agreement between the European Commission and WHO Regional Office for Europe entitled “Addressing mental health challenges in the 27 EU countries, Iceland and Norway”.