Tbilisi Medical Academy Launches Initiative to Strengthen Teachers’ Capacity to Support Children’s Mental Well-Being

We hosted the first session of the social project “I See, I Act, I Help: Raising Teachers’ Awareness About Children’s Mental Well-Being.” The initiative brought together more than 70 teachers from public and private schools across Tbilisi and various regions of Georgia, creating a platform for educators to deepen their understanding of child and adolescent mental health and strengthen their ability to support students in everyday school settings.

As mental health challenges among children and adolescents continue to grow worldwide, schools play a critical role in early identification and support. Recognizing that teachers are often among the first adults to notice changes in a student's behavior, emotional well-being, or academic performance, the project aims to equip educators with evidence-based knowledge and practical skills for recognizing and responding to mental health concerns.

During the session, participants explored some of the most common psychological and neurodevelopmental conditions affecting children and adolescents, including depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, and behavioral difficulties. Particular attention was given to recognizing early warning signs, applying supportive approaches in the classroom, and communicating effectively and empathetically with parents.

Beyond traditional lectures, the program incorporated interactive workshops, case-based discussions, and practical exercises designed to help teachers apply their learning to real-life situations. Participants were encouraged to engage in open dialogue, share experiences, and explore evidence-based strategies for supporting students' well-being.

An output of the first phase of the project was the development of Georgian-language educational resources, including presentations, brochures, and practical reference materials. These resources were created by a student team in collaboration with psychologists and psychiatrists and professionally validated to ensure scientific accuracy and practical relevance. The materials were distributed to participating teachers for use in their daily practice and wider school communities.

The initiative seeks not only to raise awareness but also to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and contribute to the creation of safer, more supportive, and psychologically informed school environments. By empowering teachers with knowledge and confidence, the project aims to strengthen early support systems for children and promote a culture of empathy and understanding within the educational community.

The project was developed and implemented with the support of Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy’s (TMA) “Student Grant Program for Social and Cultural Projects.” Introduced in 2024 as part of the Academy’s institutional vision, the program aims to empower students to develop innovative, socially impactful initiatives that apply evidence-based knowledge in practice and contribute to improving public health. Through this internal grant program, TMA provides students with the opportunity to transform academic knowledge into meaningful community engagement and sustainable social action.

The project was designed and implemented by TMA students Konstantine Gachechiladze, Maria Bichnigauri, Irakli Khuntsaria, and Mariam Tsuladze under the academic supervision of TMA Associate Lecturers, Psychiatrist Mariam Chelidze and Psychologist Mariam Machavariani.

Special appreciation is extended to the project's partner organization, Association Biom, and its founder Khatuna Gogaladze for their invaluable support in engaging teachers from across Georgia and contributing to the successful implementation of the initiative.