Deadline: 15-Aug-2025
UNICEF is accepting applications for its Lightweight Backpacks Program, focused on supporting mental health and well-being among teenagers. The program aims to partner with a technical organization that will work closely with the MINSA Mental Health Directorate and the donor institution’s technical teams. This collaboration must ensure that all tools and content are jointly validated and aligned with principles of rights, gender, and inclusion.
The initiative falls under the health sector, with a specific emphasis on adolescent health, including sexual and reproductive health. The geographic focus is Peru, specifically in the Lima region. A total of $350,000 in funding is available for this program.
The first expected outcome is the psychometric validation and national applicability of two tools designed to detect mental health risks among adolescents. Activities include validating the Youth Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ), developing scientific articles based on the JVQ and pilot studies, and reviewing existing tools for detecting depression and anxiety among youth aged 12 to 18.
The second outcome aims to make validated materials available for nationwide use. This includes developing a digital communication strategy to promote the Mental Health Plan in schools and producing videos to promote a new chatbot for adolescents, all aligned with MINSA and UNICEF communication standards.
The third outcome focuses on implementing a training program in adolescent mental health for primary care staff. The training will be validated by national institutions and delivered in a hybrid format. It will benefit psychologists and doctors from health centers in North Lima. Additional training will be offered to teachers, adolescents, and caregivers, reaching at least 30 teachers, 300 caregivers, and 1,000 adolescents.
The fourth outcome is the development of a chatbot focused on adolescent mental health, built using the RapidPro platform and accessible via WhatsApp. The chatbot will be piloted in North Lima, with data and feedback collected to improve its performance. A technical report will summarize the pilot, including recommendations for further implementation.
Proposals will be assessed based on their relevance to the program’s goals, the innovation of their approach, sector expertise, local presence, and prior experience working with the UN.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
