Delhi Government Schools Are Introducing a Happiness Course

A proposal has been introduced in the classes for schools which are under municipal corporations and Delhi government schools as well, stating that the happiness curriculum has brought positive changes in the life of students studying in these schools.

The government has introduced this curriculum for classes Nursery to VIIIth. The curriculum has no books or evaluation with a grand launch by Tibetan leader Dalai Lama. Students are taught mindfulness and lessons through stories and activities. This proposal was implemented in 1,100 government schools.

In January, a meeting of the state advisory council (SAC) was held in which deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia had recommended that this curriculum should also be introduced in schools which come under the corporations. There are 1,400 schools under the three corporations which are teaching up to Class Vth. As a curriculum is already in place, officials of Directorate of Education (DoE) said that it will not be difficult to implement this in corporation schools.

A senior DoE official said that teachers will have to be trained but that can easily be facilitated by the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and with those who worked in the formulation of the curriculum. Whereas, the education directors in the north and South Corporation mentioned that no decision had been taken on introducing this curriculum, but the proposal was discussed in the meeting. An official said that the extension can only take place after due approval from the house of councilors. Also, no announcement can be made since the model code of conduct is also in place. In the east corporation, an official also said that no decision has been taken yet.

However, according to the government of Delhi, the teaching of the curriculum has made children more caring and responsible. The teachers have also seen students trying to solve many problems by reasoning and thinking positively, and the curriculum has brought in emotional stability to the students.

The schools have also noticed the relationship of students with peers has improved with a marked sense of helpfulness and cooperation. Also, improvement has been noticed in the communications skills and students now talk freely. They also participate in class discussions. In addition, it has improved daily attendance in the school, incidences of stealing and reduced and truancy has also been checked.

By: Preeti Narula

Content: https://m.timesofindia.com/home/education/news/happiness-course-a-hit-in-delhi-govt-schools/amp_articleshow/68386630.cms