Context
In 2022, the United States Surgeon General published a report outlining the staggering increase in mental health challenges among teens and young adults. For example, from 2009 to 2019, there was a 40 percent increase in adolescents experiencing persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
As education research illustrates, caring teachers and school counsellors can provide students with emotional support and aid them in navigating these difficult emotions to help address this serious mental health crisis. However, the discomfort and stigma associated with mental health often prevent students from taking the important step of sharing their feelings with their teachers. Furthermore, when emotions are welcomed into the classroom, this is often accompanied by a failure to incorporate a social justice lens or trauma-informed approach, critical to fostering a safe and reliable environment where students who have experienced adversities and trauma feel supported.
Goals
Through training and education, this project will destigmatize mental health issues among Canadian high school youth.
Key Performance Indicators to be reached (KPIs)
- Provide mental health training to Canadian teachers and work with Canadian schools and education organizations to educate and empower Canadian in-school youth to handle and find solutions to emotional challenges;
- Provide an increased sense of community in the teachers’ classrooms and stronger connections with students.
KBF CANADA is working with the Kevin Love Fund, a Fund managed by the Entertainment Foundation, a charitable organization in the US. The mission of the Kevin Love fund is to break the stigma around mental health while those who are suffering have the support they need to thrive. Kevin Wesley Love is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association. Amazed at the movement created after publicly sharing his own personal story about challenges with mental health, the five-time All-Star launched the Kevin Love Fund (KLF) in 2018 to inspire people to live their healthiest lives while providing tools for both mental and physical health. After 2 years of developing and piloting its specialized SEL (social-emotional learning) program, the unique curriculum is now available for free in the United States in 400 schools and afterschool programs across 34 states, with nearly 25,000 students having completed the program. In collaboration with K-12 educators and SEL experts, the 14-lesson plan curriculum is customized for middle school, high school, and college students. This project will train Canadian educators in the SEL program so that it can be introduced in Canadian high schools.
KBF CANADA’s role is to carry out charitable activities across the globe in accordance with its charitable purposes. We control and monitor the use of funds and the progress of charitable activities to ensure that donations made to KBF CANADA have the greatest impact in accordance with donors’ expressed wishes. As a member of the Myriad Alliance with offices in Canada, the US, Europe, Asia and Australia, KBF CANADA has a vast international network and extensive practical expertise.
How to support this project?
By credit card: At the top right of this page, indicate the amount you wish to donate, and make the donation online by credit card. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes by e-mail just a few minutes after making the donation. It is simple and fast!
By cheque: Mail the cheque to KBF CANADA, and mention ‘Project C101 – Education to Destigmatize Mental Health – Canadian Youth’ in the ‘For’ section and send it to: KBF CANADA, 1 Place Ville Marie, Suite 1670, Montreal, QC, H3B 2B6, Canada.
By Direct Deposit: Send an email to Melina Zitiello [email protected] or call +1-438-300-8122.
All donations are eligible for a tax receipt in Canada.
The projects are managed with the greatest care and professionalism.