Psychological support initiatives focus on health and education in Cuba and Peru

In Cuba, the Proyecto Amazonas de la Esperanza has provided psychological support to women recovering from breast cancer in Matanzas since June 2006. Led by Dr. C. Lena Alonso Triana of the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas, the initiative focuses on using health psychology to offer emotional accompaniment and help patients navigate the complexities of chronic illness.

In Peru, the focus on socioemotional health has increased within the public education system. The Ministry of Education (MINEDU) has developed guidelines and evaluation instruments for socioemotional learning. Experts suggest that future progress requires integrating these skills as a primary developmental goal rather than just a means to other educational ends, while also adopting an intercultural perspective. Challenges remain regarding the professional and personal well-being of teachers and the insufficient presence of psychologists within the educational service to support both students and staff.