Mental Health Matters 2.0
Nurturing Well-Being from Classroom to Community
Mental health is a foundation for resilience, learning, and peaceful communities.
In a world facing growing emotional and social challenges, supporting mental well-being has become more important than ever.
At SANCHILD Foundation, we are proud to continue our mission of fostering emotional well-being, resilience, and community connection with the Mental Health Matters initiative: a school-based program supporting students and educators throughout Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Following the foundation set by the HARMONY Project, this new initiative builds upon the same commitment to address the growing mental health needs of young people while empowering teachers with the tools to create safer, more empathetic learning environments.
Why Mental Health Still Matters
Mental health is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. In today’s complex world, young people are increasingly facing anxiety, emotional instability, and stress-related challenges that affect both their personal development and academic performance.
Educators, often on the front lines, are navigating these realities without sufficient resources or training. The Mental Health Matters initiative 2024 /2025 is our way of bridging that gap by bringing practical mental health education and emotional support directly into schools.
Project Scope and Reach
We are thrilled to share that in the most recent phase of the Mental Health Matters project, we successfully held a total of 9 workshops in 4 different locations, reaching:
Around 100 high school students
Over 40 teachers and school staff members
Each workshop was led by our dedicated educator and Gestalt psychotherapist, Merima Hafizović, who guided participants through dynamic, engaging, and personalized sessions blending both theory and real-world tools.
Highlights from the Field
The Mental Health Matters project began its journey in December 2024 and continued into 2025, delivering nine workshops across four key locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Each session was led by our psychotherapist and educator, Merima Hafizović, and thoughtfully tailored to the unique needs of both students and teachers.
Our first stop was in Mostar, at Karađoz-Bey High School, where the project officially launched. On December 16, 20 high school students participated in an engaging workshop focused on emotional awareness and self-regulation strategies. This was followed by a session for 10 teachers on December 30, centered on recognizing emotional dysregulation in adolescents and responding effectively in the classroom. We’re grateful to our Mostar partners for setting the tone with their openness and hospitality.
The project continued in Srebrenica, at the Emmaus Center, on April 10–11, 2025, where a high level of interest led us to organize three workshops. Two student sessions gathered over 40 participants, helping them explore their emotions and manage school-related stress. A third session brought together school staff for in-depth discussions on identifying and addressing deviant behaviors. Huge thanks to Emmaus for their heartfelt welcome and strong collaboration.
On May 8–9, 2025, we made our way to Visoko, where the Franciscan Gymnasium (Franjevačka gimnazija) hosted two impactful workshops. Ten students took part in a session centered on emotional awareness and stress management tools, while 12 educators joined a parallel training on understanding behavioral patterns and fostering a more supportive school culture. Our sincere appreciation goes to Franjevačka gimnazija Visoko for their meaningful partnership.
The most recent stop was in Zenica, on May 13, 2025, where we held two workshops at Prva Gimnazija Zenica (Classical Gymnasium). The student group, made up of 20 high schoolers, explored emotional intelligence, stress management, and self-awareness techniques to help them thrive both academically and personally. Meanwhile, five dedicated teachers participated in a session focused on identifying behavioral challenges in students and responding with empathy and structure. We extend heartfelt thanks to Prva Gimnazija Zenica for their warm reception and enthusiastic engagement.
A Step Toward Resilience
The Mental Health Matters project represents more than just a series of workshops, it’s a step toward resilience, understanding, and long-term positive change. We are committed to supporting both youth and educators with the tools they need to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Thank You for Walking With Us
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our partners, educators, schools, and local communities. Together, we are nurturing safer, healthier learning spaces and fostering a future where mental health is prioritized.
Stay tuned as we continue this journey of healing, education, and empowerment.
Let’s keep building stronger, more resilient communities, because mental health truly matters !