Project 11 student dreams of bringing the program into her future classrooms

Kaitlyn Perrett always looked forward to Project 11 lessons when she was first introduced to the program in Grade 7. The lessons she learned helped her during a difficult period in her life and made her feel more comfortable talking about mental health with her peers.

“Grade 7 was a challenging time for me, and having these lessons not only reassured me that I would be okay, but also provided me with valuable coping strategies,” said Perrett.

Now, Perrett is in her final year of the Bachelor of Arts/Education program at Brandon University, where she is studying to become a teacher. She learned so much in her time in the program, she already envisions Project 11 being central to her own teaching.

“Because of my positive experience with Project 11, I knew from the moment I entered education that I wanted to complete the program’s training,” said Perrett.

Offered at no cost to Manitoba educators, Project 11 teaches students mental health awareness, so they understand how to incorporate healthy skills and coping strategies into their lives. Classroom-ready programming offers lessons tailored for students from kindergarten to Grade 12 and is ready for teachers to incorporate into their regular curriculum.

“Introducing mental health education at a young age equips students with essential skills to regulate and manage their emotions. Young children often experience intense feelings, making it crucial for them to learn coping strategies that help reduce stress and anxiety,” said Perrett.

Project 11’s curriculum can be adapted to meet the needs of different ages and classroom dynamics and provides educators with resources to ensure smooth implementation and boost their confidence in teaching mental health topics.

Perrett knows a healthy learning environment provides a foundation for academic success, and as a student, she experienced how Project 11 helped to build a collaborative classroom community. She wants to break the stigma around mental health, especially among boys, and create a safe environment where students feel comfortable seeking help and discussing their emotions without fear of judgment.

“Project 11 goes beyond teaching coping strategies — it promotes meaningful conversations and proactive habits,” said Perrett, who always found her Project 11 lessons fun and interactive in middle school.

Perrett hopes her future students not only use the strategies they learn in the program themselves, but also share them with their family and friends. She knows firsthand the positive effects of open dialogue when it comes to the topic of mental wellness support and awareness.

“This can help spark important conversations around mental health within their homes and communities,” she said.

Now in its 11th year, Project 11 has grown from being a middle years program to developing early years and high school curriculum. The program’s positive mental health lessons are making an impact on nearly 100,000 students in almost 1,500 Manitoba schools with over 3,800 educators delivering the curriculum in our province. Once Perrett graduates in 2025, she will be added to that list.

“I can’t wait to incorporate the Project 11 curriculum into my future classroom after I graduate,” said Perrett. “Project 11 fosters positive mental wellness practices among students, teachers, and the broader school community—laying the foundation for long-term personal and academic success.”