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PARAMARIBO – During the opening lecture of the 2026/2027 academic year at the Institute for Teacher Training (IOL), Deputy Minister Raj Jadnanansing, a psychologist by training, highlighted the importance of mental health for teachers, students and the broader educational environment. Jadnanansing defined mental health as the emotional, cognitive, social and behavioural well‑being that influences how people think, feel, act and interact with others. He stressed that this well‑being is essential for a healthy and stable learning and working climate. In education, it affects the relationships between teachers, pupils and students, as well as the personal and professional development of educators. The minister noted that teachers constantly face change and new challenges. The influence of social media, rising professional demands and the need for continuous adaptation and learning can take a toll on teachers’ mental resilience. “Teachers must keep learning, observe their environment critically and pay attention to their own well‑being,” he said. He also discussed the adaptability of pupils and students, who must learn to transition from home culture and habits to the rules and expectations of school culture. This requires guidance, understanding and mental resilience. Jadnanansing addressed tensions within school organisations, warning that an unhealthy work atmosphere can lead teachers to feel uncomfortable at their workplace and even consider relocation. He emphasised the importance of setting priorities, protecting personal boundaries and speaking up when workload becomes too high. Teachers need to learn to manage work pressure and interpersonal tensions in a healthy way. The minister linked awareness and prevention, arguing that making mental health a topic of discussion and recognising signs of overload or psychological problems early can prevent daily functioning from being negatively affected. The ultimate goal is a stable, supportive school climate where teachers, pupils and students can develop and grow. He also highlighted the need for timely help-seeking for psychological complaints. According to the minister, about 90 % of people experiencing depressive feelings do not seek professional support, compared with 10 % who do. This underscores the need to reduce stigma around mental problems and encourage early help-seeking. Resources for help include the crisis line 114 and the online tool www.ehealth.sr. The introduction was part of the IOL’s opening lecture, whose theme was “Mental health in education.” Article source: De Ware Tijd | Image credit: De Ware Tijd
PARAMARIBO – During the opening lecture of the 2026/2027 academic year at the Institute for Teacher Training (IOL), Deputy Minister Raj Jadnanansing, a psychologist by training, highlighted the importance of mental health for teachers, students and the broader educational environment. Jadnanansing defined mental health as the emotional, cognitive, social and behavioural well‑being that influences how people think, feel, act and interact with others. He stressed that this well‑being is essential for a healthy and stable learning and working climate. In education, it affects the relationships between teachers, pupils and students, as well as the personal and professional development of educators. The minister noted that teachers constantly face change and new challenges. The influence of social media, rising professional demands and the need for continuous adaptation and learning can take a toll on teachers’ mental resilience. “Teachers must keep learning, observe their environment critically and pay attention to their own well‑being,” he said. He also discussed the adaptability of pupils and students, who must learn to transition from home culture and habits to the rules and expectations of school culture. This requires guidance, understanding and mental resilience. Jadnanansing addressed tensions within school organisations, warning that an unhealthy work atmosphere can lead teachers to feel uncomfortable at their workplace and even consider relocation. He emphasised the importance of setting priorities, protecting personal boundaries and speaking up when workload becomes too high. Teachers need to learn to manage work pressure and interpersonal tensions in a healthy way. The minister linked awareness and prevention, arguing that making mental health a topic of discussion and recognising signs of overload or psychological problems early can prevent daily functioning from being negatively affected. The ultimate goal is a stable, supportive school climate where teachers, pupils and students can develop and grow. He also highlighted the need for timely help-seeking for psychological complaints. According to the minister, about 90 % of people experiencing depressive feelings do not seek professional support, compared with 10 % who do. This underscores the need to reduce stigma around mental problems and encourage early help-seeking. Resources for help include the crisis line 114 and the online tool www.ehealth.sr. The introduction was part of the IOL’s opening lecture, whose theme was “Mental health in education.”
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