Mental health support initiatives launched for youth in Peru and Colombia

In Peru, the Escuela de Carácter y Ciudadanía has expressed solidarity with the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) following a recent incident involving a student on campus. The non-profit organization offered technical resources and its ‘SOS Bienestar Socioemocional’ program to the university. This tool uses 15-minute evaluations to identify students experiencing depression, anxiety, or perceived violence, aiming to move beyond reactive crisis management toward primary prevention.

In Colombia, the city of Bogotá is implementing the ‘EstarBien Bogotá’ strategy to support adolescents identified with suicidal ideation. Launched in 2024, the program complements traditional health routes by integrating art, culture, and movement into the wellbeing strategies for at-risk youth and elderly populations in district schools.