“In South Africa 9% of all teen deaths are due to suicide – and this figure is on the increase. In the 15-24 age group, suicide is the second leading – and fastest growing – cause of death. Children as young as 7 have committed suicide in South Africa. Every day 22 people take their lives. Suicide is on the increase and the question is why?” This shocking statistic is quoted by The South African Depression and Anxiety Group. The World Health Organisation reports that mental health conditions, such as childhood epilepsy, developmental disabilities, depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders, are major causes of illness and disability among young people. Worldwide, 10-20% of children and adolescents experience mental health conditions, but the majority of them do not seek help or receive care. Half of all mental health conditions start by 14 years of age. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15–19-year-olds. The consequences of not addressing mental health and psychosocial development for children and adolescents extend to adulthood and limit opportunities for leading fulfilling lives. The World Health Organisation encourages initiatives for the prevention of mental health conditions and the provision of mental health care for children, adolescents, and their families.

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#PROJECTSCHOOLS has been founded because of the evident need of the youth in this country. Our founder, Gerhard de Jager, started his career as a youth worker at Bellville High School. He personally experienced and saw the positive impact that a youth worker in a school can have on scholars affected by emotional and mental issues; and where access to and a relationship with a youth worker, has played a crucial role in identifying early signs of emotional and mental issues. The impact of being bullied, of broken relationships or rejection, of extreme stress and anxiety, or of family problems are all examples of causes of emotional and mental issues that can create irreversible damage to young people's lives and even lead to drastic steps like suicide. #Projectschools developed a model centred around a youth worker in every school in order to pick up on and react to early signs of emotional and mental issues among scholars.

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