KHDA announces 'School of hearts'

Dubai - Initiative to know what makes students happy.

When 12-year-old Manav Aacharya, an Indian national student a private school in Dubai, was asked what made his school days interesting, he instantly replied 'my friends'.When asked his opinion on examinations, his wrinkled his nose and said: "They are important. But I don't look forward to them."
A brand new initiative by Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) will reach out to school students aged between 10 and 14 to understand what makes them happy.
Focusing on positive education and wellbeing of students, the 'School of Hearts' initiative, the first of its kind in the UAE, will begin from today.A 2015 publication by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) confirmed academic success is invariably linked with stress and as a result, there is less enjoyment of learning.The 'Pisa on 50' publication reads, "Academic achievement that comes at the expense of students' well-being is not a full accomplishment".
Hind Al Mualla, Chief of Creativity, Happiness and Innovation said, "The 'School of Hearts' initiative will focus on three key areas - school environment, personal wellness and peer-support. As part of the initiative, school students will be invited to take part in a survey, which will ask questions relating to their safety, health and interactions at school."The 'School of Hearts' initiative will work towards helping schools to build a balance between academic achievement and development of character-strengths and wellbeing.
Mualla added: "Being happy at school is an important aspect of student wellbeing. Every student should have an opportunity to nurture a positive relationship with an admiring adult, which helps in building a supportive environment at school." The initiative will help understand whether students in Dubai feel engaged, both socially and academically. Schools will also be encouraged to host listening circles - which will bring together parents, students, teachers and school leaders to share ideas.
She said: "Students who share good relations with their teachers and family are likely to perform better while enjoying a sense of belonging at school." Research studies have shown positive school practices have a significant overall effect in terms of greater inspiration among students and staff.Findings showed that there was a great appreciation for learning from each other and connecting with others around shared values.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE