In Croatia, as many as 44,000 children and young people aged 10 to 19 have mental health problems. Poor mental health can jeopardize the future of children and young people because it reduces their abilities, disrupts their education, and disrupts family and social relationships. Many children and young people do not seek help and are left to fend for themselves.

Teachers may be the first to notice that a student is having difficulty, but very often they do not know what to do. UNICEF wants to provide teachers and other professionals in schools with the knowledge and skills to better identify the mental health problems of children and young people in the school environment and to act as initial support and protection.

Funds raised through the Milky Way 2022 will support:

• implementation of education programs for teachers and other professionals in schools to identify mental health problems in children and youth and provide first aid and support
• training of new leaders of education in order to provide support to the mental health of children and youth throughout Croatia
• upgrading education with content to help children and young people cope with trauma.

By participating in the Milky Way, you are turning time for your health into supporting the mental health of children and young people!