Malargüe’s Ser y Hacer Initiative is empowering schools with suicide prevention strategies through a series of training sessions. The first session was coordinated by the Directorate of School Support (DAE) of the General Directorate of Schools (DGE) in collaboration with the Mental Health Directorate of the Ministry of Health. Participants included Carina Gannam, the director of DAE, and María de los Ángeles Zavaroni, the head of Special Education, along with members of various teams and teachers from different departments.
The training began with a screening of the Belgian film «Close» (2022), which depicts the tragic consequences of homophobic bullying on two 13-year-old friends. Following the film, an academic panel was formed with experts from the DAE and the Ministry of Health.
Carina Gannam highlighted the importance of addressing the rising trend of youth suicide, particularly among younger age groups. She emphasized the need for prevention, intervention, and post-intervention strategies to support students and families in times of crisis.
María de los Ángeles Zavaroni stressed the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary tools and knowledge to identify warning signs and provide support to adolescents. She emphasized the role of educators in fostering empathetic relationships with students and recognizing behavioral changes indicative of emotional distress.
The training sessions will be held across different locations in the province throughout June, targeting teachers and professionals from various regions. Special attention is being given to students with disabilities to ensure their inclusion and well-being within the school environment.
Feedback from participants like Noelia Fernández and Fabricio Fiochetta underscores the significance of these initiatives in preparing educators to address mental health challenges among students. By fostering a collaborative approach and providing resources for prevention and intervention, Malargüe’s Ser y Hacer Initiative aims to create a supportive and nurturing environment within schools.
As the program continues to expand and engage with more stakeholders, the focus remains on building resilience, empathy, and awareness among educators to promote mental health and well-being in educational settings. Through ongoing training and dialogue, schools can become empowered spaces for addressing the complex issues surrounding youth suicide prevention.