Goldie Hawn's MindUP helps 7 million children manage stress across 48 countries

Children learn mathematics, science and languages in school, but understanding their own emotions and managing stress can be equally important to their development. Recognising this need, actor Goldie Hawn established the Goldie Hawn Foundation in 2003 to help children develop emotional awareness and mental well-being.

The initiative led to the creation of MindUP, a school-based programme that combines neuroscience, mindfulness and social-emotional learning to give children practical tools for handling everyday challenges.According to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Global Health Initiative, which supports MindUP, the programme has worked with children in 48 countries since its establishment in 2003. A February 13, 2026, profile published by ASU+GSV Summit reported that MindUP had reached more than 7 million children worldwide.

Developed with neuroscientists, educators, psychologists and researchers, its curriculum aims to help children understand how their brains work, regulate emotions, reduce stress and build empathy.