Launch of the Joint Report “Exploring the Mental Health and Well-Being of Children in Rural Areas and Low Socio-Economic Environments in Kosovo and Romania”

Within the framework of the Engaged Minds, Empowered Lives (EMEL) project, and in partnership with Institute of Psychology in Kosovo and Noi Orizonturi in Romania, we are pleased to publish the joint report exploring the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents in both countries. The study used mixed methods to explore mental health and well-being among children and adolescents, focusing on rural areas and low socio-economic environments in both countries.

Key Findings

More than 80% of students in both Kosovo and Romania demonstrated strong knowledge of core mental-health concepts. Kosovar students excelled in understanding emotional regulation, while Romanian students were stronger in recognizing early warning signs and stigma definitions. Overall attitudes were positive, though stigma persists, with misconceptions about danger more common in Kosovo.

Help-seeking patterns also differed: Kosovar youth more often turn to family and professionals, while Romanian youth rely more heavily on peers. About half of students in both countries reported knowing where to find services. Well-being scores were slightly higher in Kosovo, while Romanian adolescents experienced more frequent nervousness and motivational strain; levels of severe distress were similar. Bullying was more frequent in Romania, while cyberbullying rates were alike across both contexts.

Recommendations 

• Curriculum & Training: Implement interactive stress-management and peer-mentoring workshops, anti-stigma modules, and digital-safety education tailored to each country’s needs.
• Capacity Building: Increase the number and training of school psychologists; integrate service-learning to normalize help-seeking and strengthen confidentiality.
• Cross-National Collaboration: Leverage Romania’s expertise in early sign-recognition and Kosovo’s strengths in emotional regulation through joint workshops and resource sharing.
• Resource Awareness: Launch targeted campaigns to raise visibility of available mental-health services, with user-friendly guides for students and families.

This joint report lays the groundwork for future initiatives to strengthen mental-health support for children and youth in need of greater support in Kosovo and Romania.

🔗 [Download the full joint report here]

The EMEL – Engaged Minds, Empowered Lives project is funded by the European Union through the CERV-2024-Child program. The views expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the granting authority.