WE-MIND: Advancing Mental Health and Innovation in Western Balkans Higher Education Through Digital Transformation

forthcoming

The overarching goal of this project is to enhance mental health literacy, provide mental health support, promote digital transformation, and foster human capital development within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. To achieve this, we will develop mental health curricula for first-year students and create a multilingual, culturally sensitive digital mental health platform tailored to the needs of all students in these institutions. At the same time, we will train a group of faculty through a Training of Trainers (ToT) program to better support students' mental health needs. The needs of students, faculty and staff will be identified through two comprehensive surveys conducted across four HEIs in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project will improve the accessibility and responsiveness of mental health services for students by incorporating innovative tools such as gamification, self-help resources, student mentorship and faculty support. The curricula and platform will be co-created by faculty, students, and technical staff in collaboration with EU partners, serving as a hub for developing digital skills among students, faculty, and staff. Aligned with the Erasmus+ CBHE priorities, the project supports digital transformation, sustainable growth, and job creation while reinforcing EU values outlined in the Global Gateway Strategy. The project will promote mental health, resilience, academic success, and employability, contributing to the EU’s goals for digital transformation and inclusive education. It prioritizes inclusivity by ensuring equal participation for marginalized communities, including Roma students, individuals with mental health challenges, and other non-majority groups. Additionally, it aims to establish strong partnerships with EU, regional, and local HEIs to encourage collaborative research and knowledge-sharing. Ultimately, the goal of this project is to drive sustainable growth in WB.