About
Project Mission
Palau is working to strengthen mental health support for children and young people in schools and across the health system. Schools are an important setting for this work because they can help students build emotional skills early and connect them with support when needed. The Heart Curriculum is part of that effort. It is designed to help students better understand their emotions, manage stress, support others, and know when to ask for help.
Currently, the Heart Curriculum is being developed by Initium Health in partnership with the Republic of Palau Ministry of Health and Human Services, educators, and community partners.
A Curriculum Developed for Palau
The Heart Curriculum builds on this regional experience while adapting the approach for Palau. The curriculum uses Palauan language, values, family life, and community context to shape the lessons and activities. The idea of the heart, or reng, provides a shared way to talk about emotions. Students learn to recognize what they are feeling, notice how emotions may show up in the body, practice healthy ways to respond, and identify when additional support may be needed.
Connecting Schools With Support
Palau also receives support through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) program. The program is intended to strengthen early identification, referral, and access to mental health support for children and young people. The Heart Curriculum connects classroom-based learning with school and Ministry of Health and Human Services pathways for students who may need additional support.