A Path to Healing for Youth in Morocco

This innovation introduces a dual-approach model that embeds Prevention and Health Education Help Desks (PHEHDs) and participatory thematic workshops into second chance schools. These hubs serve as locally rooted, psychologically safe entry points for youth aged 15–22 with lived experiences of school dropout and psychosocial vulnerability, to access individual and group-based psychosocial support.

Co-designed with youth and guided by principles of Positive Psychology and trauma-informed care, PHEHDs function as structured, accessible in-school hubs where trained staff and peer educators provide early psychosocial support, referrals to services that may be needed, such as social assistance, psychiatrist, physiotherapist, speech therapist, and a listening space for young people navigating distress or trauma. PHEHDs promote an environment of increased mental health and psychosocial support knowledge, as well as improved socio-emotional competencies and peer-to-peer relationships. The thematic workshops—covering a total of 48 sessions across six schools (coordinated by the association Corps Marocain pour Education et Dévelopment, CMED)—offer participatory learning possibilities for youth, parents, and educators on priority issues such as bullying, overuse of social media, identity development, and emotional regulation, co-created with students to ensure relevance and impact.