News Brief
Unveiling the Resilience and Social Emotional Learning (RSEL) Programme to Strengthen Adolescent Wellbeing
JMERC launched the RSEL programme in Kampala with government and development partners to strengthen adolescent wellbeing, resilience, and life skills in Uganda.
JM Education and Research Centre (JMERC), in collaboration with government and development partners, officially launched the Resilience and Social Emotional Learning (RSEL) programme in Kampala to strengthen adolescent mental health, resilience, and life skills in Uganda.
Why the launch matters
The launch brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the World Health Organization, civil society organisations, and other education stakeholders committed to adolescent wellbeing.
The programme comes at a critical time. Research shared during the event indicates that nearly one in five Ugandan secondary school students shows signs of an emotional disorder, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
“Through the Resilience and Social Emotional Learning programme, we are equipping adolescents with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges, build healthy relationships, and make informed decisions that shape their future.”
The statement above was delivered during the opening session by Dr. Annet Mugisha, Commissioner for Teacher Education, Training and Development at Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports.
A multi-sectoral response
RSEL is designed as a multi-sectoral programme. It brings together actors across education, health, and social protection to strengthen the systems that support adolescents both in and beyond school.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Kasule Meddie, representing Dr. Cleophas Mugenyi, Head of Basic and Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, underscored the urgency of coordinated national action.
“Nearly one in five Ugandan secondary school students shows signs of an emotional disorder. This underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to support our young people.”
Building an ecosystem for adolescents
Panel discussions at the launch emphasised the role of social and emotional learning in helping adolescents build resilience, manage stress, and make responsible life decisions. Speakers stressed that meaningful support requires alignment between schools, families, communities, and health systems.
“When schools, families, communities, and health systems work together, we create an ecosystem that supports adolescents not only academically but emotionally and socially as well.”
JMERC Executive Director Dr. John Mary Mitana Vianney noted that the programme will focus on adolescents aged 10 to 14, supporting them with practical skills that promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and healthy decision-making both in and beyond the classroom.
The launch marks an important step toward strengthening the systems that support adolescents across Uganda so that young people are better equipped to thrive in school, in their communities, and in their future lives.