A large number of training sessions have already been launched, and further steps are being taken to expand the services available to the entire population.

This joint effort marks a crucial step toward ensuring that emotional well-being is recognised as an essential part of health for all of Vanuatu.

Earlier this year, UNICEF organised training sessions that brought together schoolteachers, mental health professionals, and non- government organisation workers. Participants developed foundational mental health and psychosocial support child counselling skills. They also discovered practical tools to help children manage fear, stress, and trauma in safe and supportive environments.

Recognising that children’s recovery extends beyond meeting physical needs, UNICEF and MoET introduced the globally recognised “I Support My Friends” peer-to-peer approach. This initiative trains children aged 9-17 to support their peers experiencing distress, under the careful supervision of trained adults.

By doing so, children learn to foster resilience, empathy, and care within their schools and communities, building strong protective networks around themselves and their peers.

Last week, a second and more advanced training was conducted, focusing specifically on helping children cope with trauma. As children’s minds and emotions are still developing, untreated fear and stress can affect learning, behaviour, and long-term well-being. With reassurance, care, and safe spaces, children can heal and grow stronger, despite the challenges they have faced.

On Wednesday, 27 August, the training included practical field exercises at Donna’s Elite Foundation Grammar School.

Developmental and behavioural screenings were carried out to assess how children are progressing in areas such as language, movement, thinking, behaviour, and emotions. These screenings, based on developmental milestones, help identify children who may need additional support to reach their full potential.

The training sessions are facilitated by UNICEF Child Mental Health Specialist Dr Koen Sevenants, an internationally recognised expert in child and adolescent psychology with over 26 years of experience. Dr. Koen, who serves as the technical lead for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in the global UNICEF-led Child Protection Area of Responsibility, emphasised the importance of mental health and psychosocial support for children. He said, “When counsellors are trained and given the right tools and support, they can support all members of the community in healing from trauma and emotional pain”.

In the forthcoming weeks, the foundational training will be rolled out for teachers and key mental health professionals in SANMA Province to begin rolling out at the provincial level.

To build on these, selected professionals who have progressed through the foundational and advanced trainings will participate in a supportive supervision training. This is crucial for ensuring the quality, effectiveness, and sustainability of mental health and psychosocial support services.

It provides a structured approach to supporting mental health and psychosocial support practitioners, both supervisors and supervisees, in developing their skills, addressing challenges, and promoting well-being.

The efforts from the Government of Vanuatu, through its ministries and with the support of UNICEF, are focused on making quality services for emotional well-being available all throughout Vanuatu.