Education Ministry plans expanded student support on World Suicide Prevention Day

The Ministry of Education on Wednesday joined the global community in observing World Suicide Prevention Day, pledging to step up counselling services and awareness campaigns in schools under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide – Start the Conversation.”

The ministry said 130 trained counsellors are now deployed in 97 of the country’s 117 secondary schools, offering confidential guidance and psychosocial support to students. The Cyril Potter College of Education also provides permanent, in-house counselling for trainee teachers.

Officials said the focus is on protecting mental health, building supportive environments and fostering resilience among young people. The ministry is working with parents, teachers and community stakeholders to reduce stigma and promote help-seeking behaviour. Training programmes are being expanded to help educators and counsellors identify early signs of distress.

“On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we encourage all Guyanese to remember that every conversation, every act of kindness, and every gesture of support can save a life,” the ministry said in a statement.

Counsellors from the Student Support Unit and the wider school system are leading awareness sessions across secondary schools on Wednesday, highlighting resilience and letting students know that help is within reach.

Hotlines are available for anyone in need of support:

• Inter-Agency Suicide Prevention Help Line: 623-4444 or 600-7896
• Guyana 24-Hour Crisis Help Line: 603-3666
• Mental Health Unit: 226-1416
• Ministry of Education Guidance and Counselling Department: 225-9537

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