UNICEF East Asia and Pacific’s Post

Adolescence is hard. Pressures from school, work, family, and society often leave young people carrying heavy burdens alone. Khamlar, 20, saw this in his community in Laos. Through Youth Champions Laos programme, he launched Mental Health Changemakers, creating safe spaces where youth could share, listen, and be heard. 40 participants opened up for the first time. Khamlar’s story reminds us: change begins with listening, and listening can change lives. Ticiana Garcia-Tapia Raweekarn (Paopao) Amarachgul Mirjana Unčanin Simon Nazer Shreyasi Jha