GLM TEAM 
September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a vital reminder of the silent battles many young people face. For Norleen Zulu, Education & Leadership Strategist and Founder of Edu-Emporium, this month is not just an awareness campaign but a call to action that reflects her passion: ensuring that children, teens, and preteens have the tools to navigate life’s pressures with resilience, courage, and hope.
With more than two decades of experience in education and leadership, Norleen is recognised as a trusted thought leader who brings together students, parents, and educators in a collaborative approach to mental health. She holds a Master’s degree in Leadership in Education from Liverpool John Moores University and has pursued numerous certifications in child psychology, social-emotional development, childhood trauma, and leadership. Her work through Edu-Emporium has transformed schools and communities into safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for learners and educators alike.
At the heart of her advocacy is her flagship program, Mind Matters: Mental Health Support for Teens and Preteens. This September, her goal is bold: to ensure that at least 500 learners gain access to this vital program. Mind Matters was created to give children, parents, and educators practical tools for emotional literacy and resilience. It empowers learners to identify emotions, recognise triggers, practice healthy coping techniques, and most importantly seek help without fear or shame.
“Every learner deserves to be an active participant in their own mental health journey. When children can name their emotions and understand their triggers, they gain confidence, autonomy, and hope.”
What makes Mind Matters unique is its holistic lens. The initiative does not measure its success in numbers or percentages. Instead, progress is seen in the confidence of children opening up, in learners actively seeking help, and in families and schools holding honest conversations about mental health. As Norleen emphasises, “We don’t just prepare children for academic success; we equip them with the language, practices, and empathy to live whole, meaningful lives.”
The urgency of this work cannot be overstated. While suicide in adolescents has numerous causes, sadness, depression, and anxiety remain among the leading drivers. For Norleen, prevention means more than awareness it means action. By equipping schools and families with resources, she positions Mind Matters as a lifeline of support and a beacon of hope.
“The more we raise awareness of children’s mental health, the safer the world will be for our young people.”
Through her work, Norleen teaches children not only how to survive but how to thrive. By building resilience, encouraging emotional literacy, and helping learners discover healthy ways to cope, she is breaking stigma and building futures.
As we reflect on Suicide Prevention Month, Norleen’s call is clear: to invest in the emotional well-being of children today is to safeguard the strength of our communities tomorrow.
“My mission is simple yet profound: to see children thrive, develop optimally, and live with a better quality of life.”
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