Denmark

Danish children perform well academically, they are not always thriving in school, with many experiencing loneliness, low self-esteem, and social challenges.

The Inner Strength programme supports students in Danish schools to build confidence, healthy relationships, and stronger emotional and social skills. It is currently implemented in 33 schools across 10 municipalities in Denmark.

Inner Strength helps young people navigate growing pressures and aims to create school environments where all students can thrive.

Impact

4.907 students impacted

Target 7.500 students

33 schools supported

Target 100 schools

403 teachers trained

Target 700 teachers

  • Comprehensive program

    Inner Strength engages key adults around the child to create a consistent, supportive environment for socio-emotional development. Teachers integrate the approach into daily classroom activities, while school leaders help embed it into school culture. Parents and caregivers are involved so they can reinforce the same skills at home. Together, this coordinated support ensures children experience alignment across school and home, strengthening both learning and wellbeing.

  • SDU evaluation

    From 2022 to 2024, HPF collaborated with the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) to assess students’ social, emotional, and academic wellbeing. The evaluation showed that 45.1% of students experienced improved peer relationships, 32.5% increased satisfaction, and 73.6% found participation engaging. Additionally, 92–100% of teachers considered the content relevant and expected to use it in their teaching.

  • Online platform

    Participant teachers have access to an online platform with materials and resources to deliver Inner Strenght in the classroom.

Meet the team

Our Indre Styrke team in Denmark consists of eight dedicated colleagues working closely with schools and students. Here, we highlight three team members who are closely involved in shaping and supporting the programme. Alongside them, five dedicated teachers are out in schools, bringing Indre Styrke to life in the classroom and playing an essential role in creating impact.

  • A professional man with gray hair wearing a dark suit and white shirt, standing indoors with a blurred background.

    Lene Wang Christensen

    Country Director Denmark

  • Lene Gundersen

    Project leader Inner Strength

  • A professional headshot of a smiling man in a suit and tie against a textured blue background.

    Katinka Gøtzsche

    Programme Developer