Mental Health at the Heart of KaJuPa’s discussions

Throughout 2026, mental health has been the central theme of "KaJuPa", the Children and Youth Parliament of the  Lëtzebuerger Kannerduerf Foundation. Through a creative activity and a podcast, the children and young people shared their perspectives on what helps them feel well, while paying attention to their emotions and needs.

Children under the age of 12 first expressed their ideas through drawings. They answered two questions: “What does mental health look like in the form of an image?” and “What can help someone stay mentally healthy?” Their creations show that mental health can take many personal forms: a moment of calm, a relationship built on trust, an activity that does us good, or a space where we feel safe.

Young people aged 12 and over, meanwhile, spoke out in a podcast. They discuss what good mental health means to them, as well as the things that can help to preserve it in everyday life. Listening, kindness, dialogue, self-respect and support from those around us emerge as essential reference points for feeling well.

The drawings and the podcast were brought together in a “2-in-1” video, which allows viewers to see and hear the participants’ reflections. This production highlights the diversity of perspectives while conveying an important message: looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health.

Through this activity, KaJuPa provides children and young people with a space for expression, listening and exchange. It enables them to talk about a subject that concerns them, share their ideas and raise awareness among others of the importance of mental well-being.

A participation that matters

KaJuPa enables the children, adolescents and young adults supported by the Foundation to take part in the discussions and decisions that concern them. By addressing mental health, the parliament’s representatives help to make this theme a shared priority, in a framework where every voice counts.

This initiative reminds us that talking about our emotions, asking for help or simply listening to others can make a real difference. Because feeling well in one’s mind is also a right for every child and every young person.