UNESCO Peru, National Institute of Mental Health join hands to promote violence-free schools

UNESCO Peru and the National Institute of Mental Health “Honorio Delgado – Hideyo Noguchi” have announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening mental health awareness and preventing violence in schools across Peru.

The collaboration was unveiled during Mental Health Week and ahead of the International Day of the Girl, highlighting growing international focus on adolescent well-being, safe learning spaces, and inclusive education.

The initiative forms part of the “Campeonas sin Barreras” project implemented by UNESCO Peru in partnership with Fundación Fútbol Más Perú under UNESCO’s global Fit for Life programme. The project uses sport as a tool to encourage inclusion, equity, emotional well-being, and community participation among young people.

Officials said the partnership aligns with UNESCO’s broader health and well-being education strategy, which promotes mental and physical health, safer schools, and teacher training initiatives.

Copa de Campeonas to bring together students and families

The first major activity under the partnership will be the “Copa de Campeonas” event scheduled for October 25 in Prague-style community fair format, expected to bring together more than 300 participants including adolescents, teachers, families, and civil society organisations.

The socio-sporting event will feature football matches, cultural programmes, interactive learning stations, and activities focused on girls’ leadership and violence-free educational environments.

Mental health experts from the National Institute of Mental Health will manage dedicated well-being stations offering guidance on emotional resilience, self-care, prevention strategies, and socio-emotional development for students, educators, and parents.

Organisers said the stations are designed to demonstrate how sports and mental health interventions can work together to strengthen the overall well-being of educational communities.

Focus on girls as changemakers

The announcement also coincides with this year’s United Nations theme for the International Day of the Girl — “The girl I am, the change I lead. Girls on the frontlines of crisis.”

Officials said the partnership seeks to recognise adolescent girls not only as beneficiaries of educational programmes but also as active agents of social change and leadership.

Through the collaboration, UNESCO Peru and the National Institute of Mental Health reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring children and adolescents have access to safe educational spaces, equal opportunities, and healthier learning environments free from violence and discrimination.

The initiative reflects a wider global shift toward integrating mental health, emotional well-being, and community engagement into mainstream education policy frameworks, especially in regions facing social inequality, gender-based challenges, and youth mental health concerns.