August 12th, International Youth Day, reminds us that today’s young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but active developers of their communities today. One of the most powerful ways to prepare them for this role is through Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)—equipping them with the agency, emotional resilience, and social skills they need to thrive.

Our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programme empowers youth to develop agency, strengthen well-being, and build social skills that open doors to education, employment, and leadership opportunities. This International Youth Day, we celebrate how SEL transforms the potential of young people into lasting opportunities.

Why SEL Matters for Agency, Well-being, and Social Skills

In today’s rapidly changing world, academic knowledge alone is no longer enough. To adapt and flourish, youth must develop SEL skills that foster self-awareness, resilience, and strong interpersonal connections. These skills prepare them for life’s challenges and opportunities by enhancing their capacity to:

1. Exercise Agency – Building self-efficacy, confidence, and decision-making skills enables youth to take ownership of their future and influence positive change in their communities.
2. Strengthen Well-being – Emotional regulation, stress management, and resilience protect mental health, allowing youth to stay engaged and focused on their goals.
3. Enhance Social Skills – Communication, empathy, and collaboration help youth build healthy relationships and succeed in teamwork-driven environments.

Our SEL Programme in Action

JMERC’s SEL programme goes beyond conventional education by fostering an inclusive, supportive school ecosystem. We integrate SEL into two key delivery models:

Resilient and Empowered Adolescents through Social and Emotional Learning (REASEL): Focused on older adolescents, REASEL equips them with the tools to manage emotions, form positive relationships, and make informed decisions that support personal growth and leadership.

Social and Emotional Learning and Literacy Through Play (SELL-PLAY): Designed for younger adolescents, this model combines literacy development with SEL through play-based activities, fostering creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.

 SEL and the Global Youth Agenda

Our SEL programme aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and Goal 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth). By nurturing agency, well-being, and social skills, SEL empowers young people to make informed choices, challenge gender norms, and build respectful relationships—critical to advancing SRHR and preventing gender-based violence. In doing so, we prepare youth not only for employment but also for active, equitable, and meaningful participation in society.

Breaking Barriers Through SELL

Many young people, especially in marginalised communities, face challenges such as limited access to quality education, lack of mentorship, and mental health struggles. Our SEL approach helps them overcome these obstacles by:

• Building confidence to navigate discrimination and limited opportunities.
• Equipping them with problem-solving skills for academic and life challenges.
• Strengthening emotional resilience to persist through setbacks.
• Fostering supportive peer and community networks.

Impact in Real Life: Narratives of Transformation

Through our initiatives, we have witnessed incredible changes. A case study is one of Mr. Bayeke Peter, the head teacher of Petta Community Secondary school in Tororo who registered zero dropouts since the beginning of JMERC interventions in his school, retaining over 1,000 students in the school defying previous years with empowered girls driving change in their homes and school.

The second testimony is by Fr. Ignatius Mbabazi, the Head teacher and Chaplain of St. Peters’ Vocational Secondary school, Kabanyonyi in Kabale district who recognized JMERC work as the pillar of transformation in the school. He credits the improved student participation and enrollment to the mindset change JMERC has extend to Kabanyonyi community.

Conclusion

Investing in SEL is investing in the future. By nurturing agency, strengthening well-being, and enhancing social skills, we give young people the tools to seize opportunities and create positive change. Together, we can ensure that every youth learns with purpose, develops with support, and flourishes with opportunity.

FAQs

Q1. What is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?

SEL is a process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions (Weissberg et al., 2015).  It involves developing skills in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making. These skills empower youth to navigate challenges, work well with others, and make positive contributions to their communities.

Q2. Why is SEL important for youth today?

In a fast-changing world that is becoming increasingly automated and technologically driven, the need for humanness has never been greater. SEL equips youth with the emotional resilience, empathy, and social competence that keep us connected as people. Without these skills, we risk “gaining the world” but losing the “human.” SEL ensures that as young people adapt, lead, and thrive in education, work, and life, they also preserve the values, compassion, and connections that define our shared humanity.

Q3. How does SEL improve youth well-being?

By helping young people understand and regulate emotions, cope with stress, and build supportive relationships, SEL promotes mental health and a strong sense of belonging—critical foundations for overall well-being.

Q4. What skills should youth prioritise?

Youth should prioritise skills that build their agency, well-being, and social connections. These include strong communication and active listening, emotional intelligence for understanding and managing feelings, problem-solving and critical thinking for informed decision-making, and collaboration for effective teamwork. Literacy and digital skills remain essential for accessing opportunities, but it is the combination of these practical abilities with social and emotional strengths that truly prepares youth to thrive in education, work, and life.

Q5. Does SEL also support academic performance?

Absolutely. Research shows that SEL improves focus, classroom engagement, and perseverance, leading to better learning outcomes and higher achievement in core subjects.

Q6. Can SEL help address gender-based violence and discrimination?

Yes. SEL fosters empathy, respect, and conflict resolution, helping youth challenge harmful norms, build equitable relationships, and advocate for gender equality, contributing to the prevention of violence.

Q7. How is JMERC’s SEL programme delivered?

We deliver SEL through age-appropriate models: REASEL for adolescents in Secondary Schools (ages: 13-20 years) and SELL-PLAY for children in primary schools (ages: 7-12 years). These approaches integrate SEL into school life through interactive activities, literacy development, and teacher-led facilitation.

Q8. How can I get involved in JMERC’s SEL programme?

You can partner with us, support our initiatives through donations, champion SEL in your networks, or volunteer in activities that help young people build agency, well-being, and social skills.