Strengthening Psychological Awareness and Resilience for Kids

2026-07-22

The SPARK project arises as a pivotal response to the mounting concerns surrounding children's mental health, particularly within the educational milieu where they undergo significant developmental phases. In addition to fostering children's mental health awareness, dispelling stigma, and nurturing timely help-seeking behaviors, SPARK introduces a unique gender-sensitive approach to mental health for both children and professionals within elementary school settings. This approach considers the nuanced intersections of various personal factors impacting children's well-being. Through engaging initiatives such as the interactive online multiverse, mental health treasure hunt, digital escape room, and international children summit, SPARK cultivates awareness, resilience, and empathy among children, equipping them with essential tools to effectively navigate complex emotional landscapes. Concurrently, SPARK empowers teaching and non-teaching professionals with comprehensive knowledge and resources to proactively support children's mental health. Acknowledging the pivotal role of elementary school professionals in shaping children's mental well-being, SPARK places strong emphasis on (mutual) training and awareness-raising activities. Tailored training programs and resources empower professionals in education and health sectors to forge active cross-sectoral collaborations, positioning elementary schools in Slovenia and Serbia as pivotal starting points for children's mental health trajectories. Serving as a catalyst for the exchange of best practices through a Consortium predominantly comprised of public entities, this collaborative platform fosters enduring systemic changes, laying the groundwork for a global paradigm shift towards gender-responsive mental health approaches. Through strategic advocacy, SPARK strives to embed a sustainable ethos of gender inclusivity within the mental health domain, envisioning a society wherein all children have equal opportunities.

Slovenia

2026-03-01