Summary

POWERFULMINDS is a programme by YouBelong Uganda that helps children and adolescents feel safe, valued, and emotionally strong at school. It recognizes that school should be a place where children grow with confidence and joy—not fear or trauma. Through conversations, clubs, creative activities, and guided support, children are encouraged to speak about their feelings, build self esteem, and learn how to protect their wellbeing. Schools are supported to become caring spaces where every child belongs and can thrive.
POWERFULMINDS works by bringing everyone together around the child—teachers, families, community leaders, health workers, and child protection services. Teachers receive training to notice and respond to children’s mental health needs, parents and communities are engaged to support children at home and beyond school, and clear links are created with health facilities and protection services when extra help is needed. The programme is being rolled out and evaluated in schools in Jinja and Buikwe Districts in Uganda.