This article is part of the Schools4Health Spotlight Series, highlighting how schools across Europe are adapting and implementing Health-Promoting School (HPS) approaches. In Latvia, pilot schools participating in the Schools4Health project began their journey by exploring how flexible and participatory health activities—focusing on emotional well-being and mental health—can be embedded into everyday school life.

Starting with the Teachers: Laying the Groundwork for Health Promotion

The implementation team, led by the Riga City Council Welfare Department, focused on helping teachers confidently address mental well-being in the classroom. Drawing from the  Lifeskills best practice—adapted from the Netherlands—the pilots promoted core social-emotional competencies such as self-awareness, emotional regulation and relationship-building. Teachers were encouraged to use interactive, student-centred methods and adjust the programme to suit their own classroom dynamics.

To support them, project coordinators introduced best practice examples and encouraged small, meaningful steps. The Welfare Department of the City Council of Riga worked hand in hand with the participating schools to introduce the Lifeskills programme, drawing on the support and expertise of a trained psychologist. This close collaboration is a strong example of multi-stakeholder involvement in practice. Teachers ran well-being-themed events, used classroom discussions to build empathy and self-expression, and introduced positive reinforcement techniques to create a more supportive learning atmosphere. The best practice was implemented with students in grade 6 (11–12 years old) and grade 10 (15–16 years old) across three pilot schools.

A Gradual Approach to Cultural Change in Schools

Rather than aiming for a full-scale reform, the pilot schools adopted a realistic approach to embedding health topics: small but purposeful additions to everyday routines. Activities included mental health discussions linked to awareness days and student-led reflections. The goal was not to tick a box, but to cultivate a mindset of long-term engagement with well-being.

One key success: building trust with teachers. Many were hesitant at first, unsure if they had the time or training to take on health-promotion tasks. But as they realised the materials were adaptable and aligned with existing educational goals, their confidence grew.

“Some teachers were skeptical at the beginning… but when they saw how practical and useful the methods were, their attitude changed,” shared one of the implementation team members.

Engaging School Communities and Building Momentum

The pilot helped raise awareness among students, parents and school staff while strengthening collaboration across the school community. Implementation team members plan to hold roundtable discussions with schools, share findings with local authorities, and continue integrating activities into school-wide planning.

Challenges remain, including teacher capacity and sustainability. But what’s clear is that even small seeds of change can grow into stronger health-promoting practices when schools are given the space and support to adapt.

Latvia’s pilot demonstrates how empowering educators and taking small, intentional steps can help lay the foundation for Health-Promoting Schools. These schools are creating the kind of environments where health isn’t just a lesson—it’s a way of life.

Stay tuned for more updates on how Schools4Health pilots are transforming schools across Europe!

Visit www.schools4health.eu for more insights.

Disclaimer: 
This project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor HaDEA can be held responsible for them.