A new World Bank policy note reveals alarming evidence on how climate change is severely impacting education outcomes worldwide. The report highlights the increasing frequency of school closures due to extreme weather events and other climate-related factors, outlining the urgent need for adaptation measures within the education sector.

Over the past two decades, schools were closed during approximately 75 percent of extreme weather events affecting over 5 million people. It has become common for countries to close their schools multiple times a year due to heatwaves, flooding, and high pollution levels. The duration of these closures is often prolonged when school infrastructure is vulnerable or used as evacuation centres.

Climate change is also indirectly affecting students through increased diseases, stress, and conflict. The report notes that a one standard deviation change in temperature and rainfall has been linked to a 14 percent increase in the risk of intergroup conflict and interpersonal violence. These factors have severe consequences on children’s educational attainment and achievement.

The erosion of learning due to climate change translates into lower future earnings and productivity, especially for the poor. Research indicates that each additional year of schooling is associated with a 10 percent increase in earnings. As climate shocks reduce educational attainment, future earnings are likely to suffer, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting social mobility across generations.

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Despite these growing negative impacts, the report indicates that policymakers do not fully appreciate the urgency of climate adaptation within the education sector. A novel survey covering 94 education policymakers across 28 low- and middle-income countries reveals that nearly 61 percent ranked the protection of learning from climate change among the bottom three priorities in their country. This low prioritisation is troubling because the benefits of education are under threat.

To build resilience in education systems, policymakers must act on four fronts: education management, school infrastructure, students and teachers as change agents, and ensuring learning continuity. The report underscores the need for immediate action to adapt education systems to cope with extreme weather events.

For instance, global estimates indicate that the education sector experiences financial losses of $4 billion annually due to tropical cyclones alone. In the Philippines, over 10,000 classrooms are damaged per year due to typhoons and floods.

The World Bank’s findings stress that for millions of children who will need to attend school over the next 50 years, the results of climate mitigation will come too late. Governments must act now to increase the capacity of education systems to adapt and cope with these increasingly prevalent extreme weather events.

As climate change continues to pose severe risks to educational outcomes, it is imperative that policymakers recognise and address these challenges urgently. The future of education depends on our ability to adapt and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.

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Source- ANI

In recent years, instances of bullying, violence, and other harmful behaviours have alarmingly increased among young children. Various factors contribute to this troubling trend. The omnipresence of social media, exposure to violent content, familial discord, and the high-pressure environment of academic and extracurricular achievements are significant reasons. These influences create an environment where children may not develop the necessary empathy and understanding to coexist harmoniously with their peers.

Given this backdrop, it is crucial to emphasise the teaching of sensitivity to children in schools. Sensitising kids towards each other, society, animals, nature, and humans in general is not just beneficial—it is imperative for fostering a more compassionate and cohesive community.

The Importance of Sensitivity

Firstly, teaching sensitivity is essential to combat bullying and violence. When children are taught to understand and appreciate the feelings and perspectives of others, they are less likely to engage in harmful behaviours. Empathy and kindness can act as powerful deterrents against bullying. Moreover, children who are sensitive to the emotions of their peers can contribute to a supportive and inclusive school environment, where everyone feels valued and respected.

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Furthermore, sensitivity towards society and the environment is crucial for nurturing responsible future citizens. Teaching children to care for animals, respect nature, and understand social issues instils a sense of responsibility and stewardship. This not only benefits the immediate community but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable living and environmental conservation.

Implementing Sensitivity Education at the Grassroots Level in India

To effectively implement sensitivity education, a multifaceted approach is necessary, starting at the grassroots level. Here are several strategies that can be employed:

1. Incorporate Sensitivity into the Curriculum: Schools should integrate lessons on empathy, kindness, and respect into the existing curriculum. Subjects like Social Studies and Environmental Science can include modules that teach children about the importance of sensitivity towards others and the environment. Stories, role-playing activities, and discussions can be powerful tools in this regard.
2. Teacher Training and Development: Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of students. Providing teachers with training on how to foster empathy and sensitivity in the classroom is essential. Workshops and seminars can equip teachers with the skills and knowledge to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
3. Extracurricular Activities and Clubs: Schools can organise clubs and activities that promote sensitivity. For instance, eco-clubs can engage students in activities like tree planting, waste management, and animal care, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature. Similarly, social service clubs can involve students in community service projects, teaching them the importance of giving back to society.
4. Parental Involvement: Sensitivity education should not be confined to the school environment. Encouraging parents to reinforce these values at home is crucial. Schools can organise workshops and provide resources to help parents understand their role in teaching empathy and kindness to their children.
5. Creating a Safe and Inclusive School Environment: Schools should strive to create an environment where every student feels safe and valued. Anti-bullying policies, counselling services, and peer support programs can help achieve this. Additionally, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity through cultural events and awareness campaigns can enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of different perspectives.

Teaching sensitivity to children in school is not merely an optional add-on to education; it is a fundamental aspect of nurturing well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society. By addressing the rise in bullying and violence through empathy and understanding, we can create a more compassionate and harmonious community. Implementing sensitivity education at the grassroots level in India requires a collaborative effort from educators, parents, and the community. Together, we can ensure that our children grow up to be empathetic, responsible, and sensitive citizens, ready to make a positive impact on the world.

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The Tripura government is set to revolutionise the management of its school system by implementing an e-attendance system across all 4,912 government schools. This digital leap, aimed at boosting transparency and accountability, is part of a broader effort to enhance educational quality and performance.

Introduced under the Vidya Samiksha Kendra initiative, which was first launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat in 2022, the new system promises to improve the transparency of educational operations and school functionality. The adoption of e-attendance is expected to streamline academic monitoring and increase operational efficiency within schools.

An education department official disclosed to IANS that the implementation across all schools is projected to be completed within two years. Additionally, the integration of a geo-tagging system will facilitate online access to all essential school-related information, further enhancing the oversight capabilities of educational authorities.

The e-attendance system was previously trialled in government offices, including the civil secretariat, where it was met with positive feedback for improving administrative accountability. With 37,761 teachers currently educating 6,94,539 students across various educational levels in the state, the successful expansion of this system to schools could transform the educational landscape.

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Once fully operational, the system will allow the Chief Minister, along with other senior officials, to directly monitor the performance of teachers and schools from their offices, ensuring that educational standards are upheld across the state. This initiative is seen as a significant step forward in the government’s commitment to delivering quality education.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has today announced the results of the Class 12 and Class 10 board examinations.

In the results announced for Class 12, this year, 1,426,420 students have successfully passed the examinations, representing an overall pass rate of 87.98%, an increase of 0.65% from the previous year. The results have highlighted a significant achievement for female students, who have attained a pass rate of 91.52%, compared to 85.12% for their male counterparts, thereby outperforming them by 6.40%.

This year, approximately 39 lakh candidates registered for the CBSE Board Exams 2024 across Classes 10 and 12, with about 24 lakh of these registrations for the Class 10 exams alone. The examinations for Class 10 were conducted from February 15 to March 13, marking a crucial period for thousands of students nationwide.

Students can check their results on the official CBSE website at cbse.gov.in or other affiliated sites such as cbse.nic.in and results.cbse.nic.in.

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At ScooNews, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all students on their results. We also want to remind everyone that marks are not the sole measure of one’s abilities or potential. For those who may feel their scores do not reflect their true capabilities, do not be disheartened. Remember, this is merely the start of a thrilling new chapter in your life.

In a collaborative push towards achieving the broader objectives of Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE), Secretary of School Education & Literacy, Shri Sanjay Kumar, chaired a comprehensive meeting at the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MoWCD), various states, and autonomous bodies under the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L).

Setting the tone, Shri Kumar emphasised the critical role of all stakeholders in ensuring quality ECCE and commended the initiatives led by the MoWCD and states. He underscored the need for establishing three Balvatikas for children aged 3 to 6 in all CBSE and Kendriya Vidyalayas with Class 1 to ensure a seamless transition to primary education. He also advocated for co-locating Anganwadis with primary schools in rural areas through coordination with the MoWCD, aiming to provide a strong foundation in preschool education.

The group further explored the integration of Jaadui Pitara, a curated set of learning resources, into government schools offering pre-primary education. NCERT’s role in aligning the learning toys with the goals outlined in the National Curriculum Framework-Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) was highlighted. To streamline pre-primary to Class 1 transitions, the Ministry of Education and MoWCD were encouraged to link the Poshan Tracker and UDISE+ data, creating a cohesive tracking mechanism.

Brand recognition for programmes like NIPUN Bharat, Jaadui Pitara, e-Jaadui Pitara, and Vidya Pravesh was also identified as a priority to boost their visibility and impact across states. The adoption of Jaadui Pitara by state SCERTs will be supported by NCERT, ensuring compliance with designated learning outcomes.

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In the meeting, the importance of training preschool teachers and Anganwadi Workers was brought to the forefront, recognising their critical role in achieving a well-rounded ECCE framework. The session emphasised the collaboration between MoE and MoWCD to ensure transparency and efficiency through Requests for Proposals (RFPs) while procuring Jaadui Pitara materials.

With these strategies outlined, the meeting paved the way for a concerted, multi-level approach to early childhood education, striving for a seamless, inclusive, and quality experience for every child.

In a progressive move to reshape global education, UNESCO has developed the ‘Happy Schools’ initiative to place happiness at the forefront of educational transformation. By positioning happiness as both a means and an end to quality learning, this initiative encourages education systems worldwide to recognise happiness as a critical driver of learning and well-being.

Why Happiness Matters in Education

The Happy Schools initiative stems from an ever-growing body of evidence linking happiness with improved learning, teaching, and overall well-being. Academic excellence and happiness are not competing priorities; instead, they work hand in hand. Joyful learning environments enhance creativity, motivation, and the overall learning experience, thus improving educational outcomes.

Education systems face mounting pressure to provide quality learning in the face of widespread global challenges. Currently, 250 million children and youth are out of school worldwide, and over 44 million teachers are required to meet the global teacher shortage. Alarmingly, more than half of the world’s children and adolescents aren’t learning effectively, and one in three students experiences bullying at school every month. Given this backdrop, prioritising happiness is no longer a luxury but a necessity for fostering resilient and collaborative societies.

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The Framework of the Happy Schools Initiative

UNESCO has developed a comprehensive Happy Schools framework that consists of four pillars: people, process, place, and principles. These pillars, combined with 12 high-level criteria, aim to provide a flexible and adaptable guide for transforming education systems.

1. People: Promoting relationships, inclusion, and respect among students and staff to foster social cohesion and well-being.

2. Process: Encouraging dynamic and participatory learning processes that inspire engagement, creativity, and motivation.

3. Place: Creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments that support both physical and social-emotional well-being.

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4. Principles: Upholding values of empathy, integrity, and respect while ensuring academic excellence.

Global Impact and Implementation

Several countries have already implemented the Happy Schools initiative, including Portugal, Viet Nam, Yemen, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Thailand. These nations have utilised the framework to improve teacher training, strengthen socio-emotional learning, and foster healthier school relationships. By approaching happiness from various entry points, the initiative has proven to be versatile and adaptable to different education systems, even in crisis situations.

Joining the Happy Schools Movement

UNESCO invites educators, policymakers, and individuals to become Happy Schools champions, advocating for happiness in education through these main approaches:

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– National Projects: UNESCO provides technical support to help Member States adapt the framework to their educational systems.

– Self-initiated Projects: Schools and organisations can access the available public resources to lead their own Happy Schools projects.

– Advocacy: Advocate for incorporating happiness into education policies to raise awareness of the importance of well-being in education.

– Evidence-Based Studies: Contribute to the growing body of research on happiness and learning.

For those interested in joining the Happy Schools mission, contact UNESCO at [email protected] or join the LinkedIn community for regular updates and connections. By embracing this holistic approach, we can empower children to flourish, thrive, and build resilient, happy societies.

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Vidyashilp University’s recent event, “The Future of Higher Education,” convened prominent industry leaders to discuss evolving career trajectories and educational paradigms. Held at the Prestige Falcon Towers in Bengaluru, the event aimed to enlighten students and parents about navigating the dynamic job market and achieving success in an ever-changing world.

Distinguished speakers, including Mr. Ullas Kamath, Mr. Pranav Pai, Mr. Aprameya Radhakrishna, and Dr. Subarna Roy, engaged in thought-provoking dialogues on global economic trends, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and the alignment of education with industry requirements. Professor P.G. Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Vidyashilp University, commended the principles of NEP 2020, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking.

Keynote speaker Mr. Ullas Kamath highlighted India’s economic growth trajectory, emphasizing entrepreneurship as a key driver. Mr. Pranav Pai underscored the significance of India’s startup ecosystem, describing technology as the linchpin of human evolution.

Vidyashilp Education Group alumni, Mr. Vikrant Maini and Ms. Vrishika Melanta, praised the institution’s focus on holistic learning and practical exposure, citing their personal experiences. Mr. Aprameya Radhakrishna stressed the importance of real-world learning experiences for students to bridge learning gaps and discover their passions.

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Overall, the event provided a platform for fruitful discussions on the future of higher education and the imperative of equipping students with the skills and adaptability needed to thrive in the modern workforce.

Rajasthan’s Education Minister Madan Dilawar announced on Monday stringent measures against teachers in government schools caught using mobile phones during duty hours.

An official order has been issued to prohibit the use of mobile phones by teachers while on school premises.

Dilawar emphasized the necessity for teachers to refrain from bringing mobile phones to schools.

“Mobile phones are a kind of disease. Teachers in school are busy watching the stock market. Mobile phones will be completely banned in schools. Students suffer loss in studies due to mobile phones..Phones will have to be deposited with the principal,” he asserted.

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He further stated, “In the event of unintentional possession of mobile phones, teachers must surrender them to the principal. Additionally, any unauthorized activities such as performing religious rituals during school hours will result in disciplinary action.”

In the corridors of Heights of Prestige School, nestled within the heart of a bustling metropolis, two stories unfolded, separated by time but linked by the indelible marks left by words unkind and ideologies unchallenged. 

First was the tale of Siya, a bright-eyed girl with dreams as vast as the sky. Her world, however, shrunk within the confines of a classroom where her attire became the subject of scrutiny, her skirt a centimetre too short, her friendship with boys a topic of disdain. “Ladies must maintain decorum,” they said, echoing through the halls like a decree. These words, though seemingly innocuous, were chains that bound her, moulding her into a silhouette of propriety, erasing the lines of her individuality. As Siya grew, the shadow of those admonishments lingered, shaping her into an adult whose confidence was tempered by the fear of stepping out of line, her personality a mosaic of others’ expectations.

Parallel to Siya’s narrative was Aarav’s journey, a boy whose heart held questions about his identity, about feelings that didn’t fit the moulds prescribed by society. In a world where he sought answers and acceptance, what he found were walls built of rigid beliefs. “There are only two genders,” they proclaimed, their ideologies as impenetrable as steel, casting a shadow over his quest for self. Aarav’s plea for a space that acknowledged his existence was met with laughter and derision, his identity reduced to a subject of mockery. These encounters, seeds sown in the fertile ground of youth, grew into vines of doubt that entwined his being, stifling the bloom of his true self.

Years passed, and the halls of Heights of Prestige School echoed with new voices, but the tales of Siya and Aarav were etched in its legacy, a sombre reminder of the power wielded by those who guide the young. As adults, both Siya and Aarav navigated a world where their selves were not entirely their own, their reflections marred by the imprints of past admonitions. Siya, in boardrooms where her voice hesitated, and Aarav, in the mirror where he searched for recognition, both found themselves longing for the acceptance they were denied in their formative years.

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These stories, though fictional, mirror the reality of countless young souls navigating the delicate dance of identity and acceptance in environments that should foster growth but often constrict it. They compel us to question the role of educators, not just as purveyors of knowledge but as custodians of the young minds entrusted to their care.

In a world where the tapestry of human experience is rich with diversity, how can we, as educators and leaders, remain anchored in doctrines that do not serve the well-being of all students? When will the dialogues within our classrooms evolve to embrace the complexities of identity, sexuality, and individuality, fostering an environment where every child is seen, heard, and validated?

The need for sensitivity and openness in addressing the myriad hues of human experience cannot be overstated. It is a clarion call for a shift from ideology to individuality, from dogma to dialogue. For if the legacy of our educational institutions is to be one of enlightenment and empowerment, we must begin by asking ourselves: Are we preparing our students for a world that exists in shades of grey, or are we colouring their perceptions with our own black and white beliefs?

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Once upon a time, in the heart of a bustling town adorned with the charm of old and new, there lay a school that seemed plucked from the pages of a storybook. The Enchanted Academy, with its sprawling lawns and majestic halls, was a place where every child was believed to be a star, destined to shine. Among these stars was a quiet moon, Rohan, whose light seemed to flicker in the overwhelming brightness of others.

Rohan, with his gentle eyes and silent ways, moved like a shadow through the corridors of opulence. The teachers, with their well-meant methods and hearts full of old tales of success, saw him but didn’t truly see him. They believed in a spell – the “one-size-fits-all” charm, which they thought could unlock the potential in every child. But magic, as the wisest of us know, cannot be forced into uniformity.

One day, under the vast canopy of the ancient banyan tree that stood watch over Enchanted Academy, Rohan’s teacher, Mrs. Verma, decided it was time to unravel the mystery of his silence. Armed with the same enchantments she had used time and again, she led him to an empty chamber, a place where many tales had been told and many woes had been comforted.

“Close your eyes and imagine a world of peace,” she coaxed, her voice a gentle breeze. But what she didn’t know, what she couldn’t have known, was that Rohan’s silence was a fortress guarding him from memories too painful, from a reality where he was the moon amidst stars too harsh. The tranquillity she offered turned into a storm, for closing his eyes only brought him closer to the darkness he faced each day – not from monsters of fairy tales, but from fellow students, his supposed comrades in this magical journey.

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The revelation came not with a whisper but a tempest, as Rohan found himself lost in a maelstrom of fear, his quietude breaking into a cry for help. It was a moment of awakening, not just for Rohan, but for Mrs. Verma too, as the veil lifted, revealing the truth that lay hidden in plain sight.

Later, in the quiet sanctity of his home, Rohan shared his tale of torment with his mother, his voice a mere echo of his former self. The harassment and abuse he had endured from his peers, the knights and princesses of this enchanted world, came to light, painting a stark contrast to the storybook façade of Enchanted Academy.

The tale of Rohan is not just his but a reflection of many moons dimmed by the glare of standardised spells, a reminder that in a world filled with diverse souls, the magic of education lies not in uniformity but in understanding the unique melodies each child carries within.

As the Enchanted Academy learned to navigate this new chapter, a question lingered like the last note of a song, resonating through the halls of learning everywhere: How long will we continue to cast the same spell, expecting to unlock every door, when the keys we hold are as varied as the hearts they are meant to open?

To read more on such trends that need to be called out and #un-trended, head to the April issue of our magazine here. 

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