Kingston, Jamaica, 05 November 2026 (PAHO) – More than 150 adolescents and stakeholders from twelve schools in St. Catherine came together at Dinthill Technical High School on October 22 to celebrate Adolescent Week under the theme “Nothing About Us Without Us: Power, Voice, and Health Equity for All Adolescents.”
The mini-symposium marked the culmination of the PAHO/WHO multi-country project, “Empowering Adolescents to Lead Change Using Health Data,” implemented in Jamaica by the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW). The event was organized by the MOHW and PAHO/WHO with support from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The project used findings from the 2023 Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) conducted in St. Catherine and consultations with adolescents, parents, teachers, guidance counsellors, and policymakers to inform interventions that strengthened mental health, nutrition, and supportive school environments.
Promoting Mental Wellness Through Youth Engagement
Building on these efforts, the symposium provided adolescents with opportunities to strengthen their understanding of mental health, share experiences, and advocate for supportive environments that promote well-being.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions on stress management, positive self-talk, and mental health awareness. Students also created “Kind Walls” to encourage self-compassion and peer support and received a “My Stress & Self-Talk Toolkit” featuring positive coping strategies and information on youth-friendly support services, including the U Matter Youth Chat, the MOHW Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline, and SafeSpot Jamaica.
Creativity Takes Centre Stage
A highlight of the event was the mental health jingle competition and art exhibition, which showcased adolescent perspectives on resilience, self-worth, and emotional well-being.
Students from Greater Portmore High School won the jingle competition with their original entry, “Swim, Nuh Badda Drown,” which promoted healthy coping strategies, help-seeking, and peer support.
The art exhibition featured ten paintings from four schools. Tiana Foster of St. Catherine High School captured first place with her painting, “Learning to See My Worth,” which portrayed an adolescent overcoming self-doubt and embracing self-confidence.
Other awardees:
• Second Place: Man of Heavy Load – Jayla Thomas, Tacius Golding High School
• Third Place: The Power of Peer Support – Elijah Stephens, Ascot High School
• People's Choice Award: Bursting Emotions – Amelia Green, McGrath High School
Empowering Adolescents to Shape Healthier Futures
Participant feedback highlighted the success of the event, with students and stakeholders praising both the educational sessions and creative activities. Students also expressed appreciation for the prizes awarded, including art supplies and electronic devices.
As the global community marks the tenth anniversary of International Adolescent Health Week, the symposium served as a reminder that meaningful adolescent engagement is essential to achieving health equity. By creating spaces where young people can share their experiences, build life skills, and contribute to decision-making, Jamaica continues to strengthen its commitment to ensuring adolescents are active partners in shaping healthier futures for themselves and their communities.
