Mental health and psychosocial support in schools: Learning from research in Colombia and Kenya

This research examines the enabling environments for effective implementation of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions delivered in education settings in humanitarian contexts, with specific focus on the Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC) Better Learning Programme (BLP) implemented in Kenya and Colombia. This report synthesizes learning from the full research in each of the two countries, emphasizing both the role and value of MHPSS in education programming, as well as the specific perceptions of impact and implementation of the intervention by various education stakeholders. It concludes with a summary of key action points that emphasize enabling factors for intervention efficacy, and that are relevant for stakeholders including schools, communities, implementing organizations, policy and decision-makers, and donors.