Republic Bank, UNICEF in US$50,000 partnership for adolescent mental health support

Republic Bank Guyana Limited and UNICEF Guyana on Wednesday formally signed a USD$50,000 landmark partnership agreement to advance adolescent mental health and psychosocial wellbeing across Guyana.

The collaboration comes at a critical time, as mental health challenges among adolescents continue to rise globally and across the region. In Guyana, suicide remains a major public health concern, with the country consistently recorded among those with the highest suicide rates in the region. 

The programme to be implemented in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Education will focus on strengthening adolescent mental health and wellbeing through a multi-pronged approach, including community-based mental health response, stigma reduction campaigns, strengthening school-based psychosocial support systems and capacity building for teachers. It will also include the issuing of disability identification cards to children and adolescents with disabilities in region two in partnership with the National Commission on Disabilities.

The initial phase will be implemented in Pomeroon-Supenaam, region two, selected for high rates of suicide, and therefore there is a pressing need and potential for scalable impact. Lessons learned from this phase will inform expansion to other regions across Guyana, supporting a sustained national approach to adolescent mental health.

Dr. Toussant Boyce, Managing Director of Republic Bank Guyana Limited, emphasized the bank’s commitment to national wellbeing beyond financial services; “At Republic Bank, we believe that investing in people is the most powerful investment we can make. Our young people are facing unprecedented mental health challenges, and we are proud to stand with UNICEF in addressing this urgent issue. Through this partnership, we aim to help build stronger support systems, reduce stigma, and ensure that every young person in Guyana feels seen, supported, and valued.”

Mr. Javier Córdoba, UNICEF Representative for Guyana and Suriname a.i, highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing adolescent mental health; “Mental health is fundamental to a child’s development, yet too often it is overlooked or misunderstood. In Guyana, where young people are disproportionately affected, this partnership represents a critical step forward. Together with Republic Bank Guyana Limited, we are committed to strengthening prevention, expanding access to support, and empowering communities to respond early and effectively.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a more resilient, inclusive, and supportive society where children and adolescents can thrive emotionally, socially, and mentally.

The signing ceremony held today marks the beginning of a multi-year collaboration aimed at strengthening national systems and community-level interventions that prioritize mental health and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable development.

As the programme expands beyond region two, both partners reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that no young person in Guyana is left behind in accessing the care and support they need.

For young people, mental health struggles, including depression and anxiety, are increasingly compounded by social pressures, economic stressors, and limited access to early support services. Globally, UNICEF estimates that 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 live with a diagnosed mental health condition, yet many do not receive the care or support they need during these formative years (Republic Bank press release)