Our Voices

“It’s always adults who define everything in our lives. Schools are designed by adults, many times not directly thinking about our needs. So, I believe representation is crucial. Young people talking about young people is a matter of understanding. We need to be given space to voice our real needs instead of having them dictated to us — because if they are simply dictated, they might not actually be met. Having a voice in schools and throughout adolescence, in any social setting, is extremely important to make us feel valued and that our needs truly matter.

I think one of the biggest challenges for young people today is the issue of identity. Identifying with a group, a space, or with people is a topic that, in my reality and from what I observe, is very relevant. I see this a lot in my school environment, in my social life, and in my family, too. Being able to identify with something and say, ‘I am part of this’ or ‘I relate to this,’ is a challenge.”

Giulia, is an 18-year-old who lives in Rio de Janeiro. She has always been a very curious person who loves science, nature, arts, and people. She believes knowledge is the foundation of her life. Here’s a quote she enjoys and would like to share: “In life, there is nothing to fear, only to understand.” (Marie Curie)

Photo by Marina Morena

“I think one of the biggest difficulties teenagers suffer is the transition to adulthood. Speaking about Brazil, depending on your social and economic background, you are either barely prepared, or skipping important stages of youth on the way to adulthood. You have to be very mature too soon.

One thing my school has, which not all schools do, and which I think is very beneficial, is open communication between the administration and students. Having this safe space, like the Student Council at my school, allows students to express themselves. In schools where this doesn’t exist, I think it makes things even harder. So, this is one of the most important aspects — having open dialogue between school leadership and students.”

João Pedro Campello, is an 18-year-old from Brazil, who plays guitar in a rock band while studying journalism at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

Photo by Marina Morena

“I think what makes mental health so difficult for young people today is mainly the constant pressure we face, especially academic pressure. You always have to get good grades and focus on everything to secure a good career, but people forget that young people are already under a lot of pressure. You’re pressured at home, at school, and for some young people, also at work. I think a way to improve this would be to create more safe spaces. And even though school can sometimes be a toxic environment, it can also be a gateway to creating these safe spaces for young people. A place where we can come in, talk about what’s going on, be heard, and help other people, too.”

Letícia Vitória is a 15-year-old from the Complexo do Alemão. She practices classical ballet and also enjoys contemporary dance. In her free time, she likes to read books, especially ones about investigations or zombies.

Photo by Marina Morena

During the second annual SNF Global Center Expert Gathering, which took place in Rio de Janeiro in May 2024, young people–including Giulia, João, and Letícia Vitória, from Complexo do Alemão–,were selected to form a youth engagement group to discuss experiences in their communities and visions for impactful interventions. The event was held in partnership with the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP) and Instituto de Estudos para Políticas de Saúde (IEPS).

In the months leading up to the event, the SNF Global Center team conducted a series of in-person meetings with adolescents from different regions of Rio, in collaboration with local NGOs, schools, and community groups, focused on three central questions: what is mental health, how can we measure it, and how can we create and evaluate effective interventions. Through artistic contributions—like slam poetry, photography, and dance–,the challenges and resilience of young people were brought to light.