Healing Hearts and Shaping Futures: IDB Lab’s HYPE project journey in Suriname

May marked Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial period for spotlighting mental health issues and combating associated stigmas. Recognizing that mental health is as vital as physical well-being is paramount.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it threw education systems around the world into chaos. In Suriname, the closure of schools amplified existing challenges, leaving many students adrift and disconnected. Out of this chaos, the HYPE (Helping Youth Progress in Education) project was born. Envisioned as a solution to bridge the educational gaps widened by the pandemic, and supported by IDB Lab, HYPE sought to provide video educational content, gamify student assessments, and launch learning clubs to reignite students’ passion for learning.

A Haven

The HYPE project is funded by IDB Lab and implemented by the Foundation Young Help Suriname (YHS) as executing agency and The Back Lot Foundation (TBL) as supporting partner in content development. TBL has been running learning clubs in STEM, Entrepreneurship and Youth Leadership since 2022. Around 300 high school students —approximately 50% of them female— have participated in these clubs.

The learning clubs aim to democratize science, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills development for students in Suriname. Designed as engaging and fun programs for students aged 15-18, the clubs re-energize participants’ interest in learning, build confidence, and support development of 21st century skills, with a focus on creativity, collaboration, teamwork, problem solving and communication.

During the sessions, the clubs quickly became a haven for many of the students. It is evident that the young people found more than just academic support; they found a community that cared and developed a sense of belonging. The clubs became a place where they could express their feelings without judgment.

Mental Health Crisis

In March 2024, UNICEF Suriname released a report on a comprehensive analysis of mental health of children and adolescents in Suriname”. The study highlights the essential need to comprehend and improve mental health in young people, stressing the importance of well-being beyond merely the absence of mental disorders. Some key findings of the report are:

• 51% of the children and adolescents say that there is a lack of adequate information about mental health in the country.
• A significant number of respondents, aged 10 to 19 years, reported experiencing stress, primarily due to concerns about their future. In addition, 28% of respondents indicated potential risk factors for depression, and 33% exhibited possible signs of anxiety disorders.
• Around 36% of respondents admitted to having thoughts of not wanting to wake up or not wanting to be on earth anymore in the past year, indicating a high level of distress and emphasizing the urgent need for effective mental health interventions and suicide prevention strategies.
• Slightly more than a quarter of respondents never discuss their feelings, experiences, and problems with anyone. Those who do have such conversations tend to have slightly better mental health than those who do not. However, many respondents feel that others, including parents, caregivers, friends, and especially teachers, may not fully understand their problems and concerns.

The after-school clubs revealed the extent of this crisis to us. For example, trainers in the Youth Leadership Club implemented by TBL often encountered students dealing with depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. These interactions underscored the urgent need for mental health support within the educational framework. Recognizing this need, TBL integrated mental health support into the programming of the Youth Leadership Club. The strategy included training for the trainers, equipping them with the tools to identify and respond to mental health issues effectively.

All three clubs foster the creation of peer support groups, encouraging students to connect with each other, share their experiences, and offer mutual support. These networks are helping reduce feelings of isolation and build a sense of community.

Spinoff effect

TBL pitched the Youth Leadership Club model to UNICEF and together they rolled out a youth empowerment and resilience building skills program in the Nickerie district during the mental health awareness month. A group of 20 young people and 10 coaches were trained as mental health champions in Nickerie, a district with one of the highest suicide rates in the country. Additionally, they rolled out an eight-week boot camp to empower, inform and build resilience among young people in the district.

In conclusion, through HYPE, we are not just helping students progress in education; we are helping them navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and achieve their full potential.

While the quantification of the impact of our projects is necessary, not everything can be quantified and measured. Witnessing the rise in self-esteem, the smiles of achievement, and the bonds of new friendships is a testament to the incredible resilience of these young people. It’s a daily affirmation that our efforts are making a tangible difference.

After seeing the impact of projects like HYPE firsthand, I am reminded of why we are doing these projects and why we must continue. We are not just shaping futures; we are healing hearts, building resilience, and, most importantly, creating a community where every young person feels seen, heard, and valued.