Jeevan mulya Shiksha
Background: To read in Nepali, click here.
In the pursuit of socio-economic progress and global relevance, Nepal acknowledges the imperative need to evolve its education system. The contemporary landscape in which children are nurtured is marked by dynamic shifts in social and economic dimensions, influencing their holistic development. Amid these changes, a disconcerting trend in the form of escalating suicidal rates among adolescents under the age of 18 has emerged. According to data from Nepal Police, the number of suicides among this demographic has risen significantly over the past five years, reaching alarming levels. This grim reality underscores the urgency of redirecting education towards fostering holistic well-being and happiness among Nepalese youth.
The Current Scenario: The data on suicidal rates among Nepalese adolescents is deeply concerning. From the years 2017/2018 to 2021/2022, the figures have risen dramatically: 255, 459, 661, 764, and 709 suicides, respectively among the children below 18 years. These statistics paint a distressing picture of the challenges faced by the younger generation in navigating the complexities of life, underlining the necessity of proactive interventions.
The Vision for Educational Transformation: Education's traditional role in imparting academic knowledge alone is no longer sufficient to address the multifaceted needs of today's youth. The proposed transformational interventions (Jeewan Mulya Shiksha) aim to redefine education by placing well-being and happiness at their core. This approach resonates with global trends that recognize the importance of nurturing a joyful and holistic learning environment.
Crucial Role of Jeewan Mulya Shiksha: The proposed interventions (Jeewan Mulya Shiksha) advocate for the integration of value education into the existing curriculum. While equipping students with language, literacy, numeracy, skills, and arts remains vital, nurturing their emotional intelligence, resilience, and inner happiness is equally essential. The Jeewan Mulya Shiksha framework not only prepares students for academic excellence but also empowers them to become confident, mindful, and responsible individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society. It makes every individual to identify self, family, society and the nature in interconnectedness.
Global Best Practices: Around the world, forward-thinking education systems have acknowledged the pivotal role of fostering happiness and well-being among students. The exemplary Happiness Curriculum implemented by the Delhi state government is a testament to this approach. Drawing inspiration from meditation philosophy and coexistence, this curriculum is designed to lead students on a journey of self-discovery and inner harmony. By implementing similar initiatives, Nepal can create a fertile ground for the seeds of happiness to grow within its youth.
The Impact and Vision Realized: The proposed intervention for education transformation (Jeewan Mulya Shiksha) encompasses a comprehensive vision. By nurturing holistic development and happiness among students, Nepal seeks to mitigate the alarming rise in adolescent suicides. Empowering young individuals to embrace self-discovery, values, critical thinking, and happiness will not only enhance their own well-being but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
The call for educational transformation intervention arises from the recognition that education's purpose extends beyond conventional boundaries. The disconcerting rise in adolescent suicides underscores the urgency to prioritize holistic well-being and happiness within Nepal's education system. By integrating Jeewan Mulya Shiksha and drawing inspiration from global best practices, Nepal can shape a generation that is not only academically proficient but also emotionally resilient, confident, and capable of contributing to a harmonious society. This transformational journey is an investment in the well-being of Nepal's youth and the prosperity of the nation at large.
Objectives:
Jeewan Mulya Shiksha in Nepal aims to foster holistic development, well-being, and happiness among students while aligning with international best practices such as the Happiness Curriculum. The primary objectives include:
Develop Attention and Awareness: Enhance students' self-awareness and attention skills, leading to improved academic performance and increased interest in studies.
Promote Deep Thinking: Encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation among students, enabling them to make informed decisions and develop a solution-focused mindset.
Enhance Social and Emotional Skills: Develop students' emotional intelligence, empathy, and communication skills, equipping them to establish meaningful relationships and manage stress effectively.
Cultivate Confidence and Attractive Personality: Foster self-confidence, a balanced lifestyle, and a positive self-image among students, empowering them to lead healthier, responsible lives.
Strengthen Teaching-Learning Skills: Enhance teachers' capacity to create engaging lesson plans, provide effective classroom teaching, and collaborate with parents for participatory learning.
Scope:
The scope of Jeewan Mulya Shiksha encompasses both students and teachers within the education system. It will be integrated as classroom content, impacting students from class 1 to class 8. Additionally, teachers will receive training and support to enhance their teaching-learning skills, enabling them to effectively deliver Jeewan Mulya Shiksha in classroom, assess the students and communicate effectively with parents. It will address not only academic development but also emotional well-being, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and personal growth.
Methodology of Implementation:
Curriculum Integration: Incorporate Jeewan Mulya Shiksha into the regular syllabus for classes 1 to 8, it will focus on mindfulness, empathy, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and ethical values.
Teacher Training: A rigorous workshop will be conducted for the teachers who are selected to teach Jeewan Mulya Shiksha. The workshop will cover teaching methodologies in four pedagogies of Jeewan Mulya Shiksha.
Student Classes: Conduct regular one-hour Jeewan Mulya Shiksha classes for students, providing a platform to discuss and explore concepts related to well-being, happiness, self-awareness, and social skills.
Parenting Workshops: Workshops for parents are organized six times a year to educate parents about Jeewan Mulya Shiksha and their role in supporting their child's holistic development.