"Happy Schools" - improving school happiness and mental health for Vietnamese students

NDO - The Happy School Project implemented by Eurasia Learning Institute (ELI) has been affirming its value in improving school happiness and mental health for students in Vietnam. Born from international research on the relationship between academic achievement and mental health of students, Happy School not only focuses on academic achievement but also focuses on the comprehensive psychological and emotional development of students, helping them build a balanced and happy life right from their early school years.

NDO - The Happy School Project implemented by Eurasia Learning Institute (ELI) has been affirming its value in improving school happiness and mental health for students in Vietnam. Born from international research on the relationship between academic achievement and mental health of students, Happy School not only focuses on academic achievement but also focuses on the comprehensive psychological and emotional development of students, helping them build a balanced and happy life right from their early school years.

Integrating happiness into formal education

Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hai, Chief Representative of Eurasia in Vietnam, said that Happy Schools started from concerns about the mental health of students in countries with high academic achievements such as Singapore, South Korea, etc., where despite outstanding academic achievements, the rate of mental health problems is high.

This prompted UNESCO to conduct research on the relationship between academic achievement and student well-being, and to make recommendations on implementing educational models that promote student mental health.

This project was founded by Dr. Ha Vinh Tho, founder of the Eurasia Association and Eurasia Institute (ELI), with the goal of building an education system that not only trains knowledge but also nurtures the spiritual development and happiness of students.

Since 2015, in cooperation with the Department of Education and Training of Thua Thien Hue province, the project has begun implementing the Call to Care pilot program in Hue, before developing into the Happy Schools program with the participation of more than 240 teachers and 9 schools in the area.

Students connect with nature.

The Happy Schools Project is based on three fundamental pillars: Self-awareness (based on mindfulness), Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and Reconnecting with Nature. Each of these pillars is built on a solid and accessible theoretical foundation, suitable for the needs and characteristics of the Vietnamese education system.

The program is implemented through four important phases: Interviews and field research to understand the challenges and needs of students, teachers and education staff; Training a team of trainers with a solid foundation in education and adult learning skills; Training teachers through intensive courses, helping them integrate happiness skills into their classrooms; and Supporting and advising teachers during the implementation process, ensuring the implementation of the Happy Schools program is highly effective.

In addition, the program also focuses on enhancing teachers' happiness and well-being, thereby creating a premise for positive change in the school environment, not only at the classroom level but also at the whole school level.

Building a generation of happy students

Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hai said that the main goal of the Happy School Project is to build a comprehensive educational framework, combining knowledge and social-emotional development, to help students fully develop their potential.

The program focuses on three important elements in school life: Self-care - developing self-awareness and self-care; Care for others - building harmonious and meaningful relationships in the community; and Care for the environment - educating students to respect and protect nature.

The project not only aims to develop knowledge but also helps students improve life skills, especially social-emotional skills. Educational activities are designed to suit each age and need of students, from primary to high school.

After 3 years of piloting in Hue, the Happy School program has achieved positive results. Evaluation from Hue University of Education shows that students participating in the program have had significant improvements in their ability to self-manage emotions, higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of stress.

By participating in the project, teachers also felt positive changes in their social-emotional skills and ability to self-manage their own happiness.

Teachers also reported feeling positive changes in their social-emotional skills and ability to self-manage their own happiness, which not only enhanced the relationship between students and teachers but also created a loving and caring learning environment.

In Hanoi, the pilot phase from 2022 to 2025 in Ba Dinh district has also begun to achieve significant success. The program has been implemented in 7 schools, with the participation of more than 3,200 students and more than 80 teachers.

Training sessions and direct support for teachers have brought about positive changes in teaching methods and created a friendly and inclusive school environment.

The project has also cooperated with Thaihabooks to publish the textbook "Happy Schools - Every day at school is a happy day".

With initial success in Hue and Hanoi, Happy School is now planning to expand to other provinces and cities and develop online training programs to reach more teachers, not only domestically but also internationally.

The development of the program not only helps improve the quality of education but also contributes to building a happy school community, meeting the requirements of the new era, when the mental health and comprehensive development of students are increasingly concerned.

Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hai said that in the future, the project will continue to be replicated not only in Vietnam but also in other countries, with the goal of creating an advanced educational model that both develops intelligence, nurtures the soul and builds a foundation of happiness for future generations.

Specifically, in Switzerland, the pilot project will be implemented for 1 year, from September 2024 to September 2025. The project attracts more than 300 teachers and educational administrators from 108 countries around the world. The project is currently being implemented well and has received positive contributions and feedback from participants.

In Vietnam, the pilot project is expected to last for 3 years, from November 2024 to July 2027. The project scale is 200 participants in the first year, then expanded in the next 2 years.

An online course will include main lessons posted on the main website of the happyschools.vn course, along with accompanying instructional and support activities such as online seminars, discussion forums and study groups.

The Human Act Prize 2024 with the theme "Building Community" continues to search for, honor and connect individuals and organizations that are committed to the community across the country.

At the Award Announcement Ceremony, held on September 23, 2024 at the Sheraton Hanoi West Hotel, Human Act Prize officially announced the new highlights of the 2024 Season:

1. Launch of the publication "Pioneering Marks - Innovation in Social Impact in Vietnam" - The first complete handbook for community activists in Vietnam.

2. Signing a memorandum of understanding with award support units:

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) – One of the top 4 auditing firms in the world, a pioneer in supporting businesses to integrate sustainability factors into business operations.

Social Impact - The first educational platform founded by community activists in Vietnam to promote knowledge about sustainable development.

TikTok Platform - The world's leading short-form video platform, accompanies the spread of positive stories, honors individuals and organizations that are working hard for the community, thereby inspiring many people to join hands to create positive changes.

Media sponsors: 13 press agencies are ready to accompany Human Act Prize 2024 to spread the best things to the community: Vietnamnet, Vietnam Plus, Labor, Dan Tri, Tien Phong, Dai Doan Ket, Cong Thuong, Nong Nghiep, Dan Viet, Nha Bao va Cong Luan, Ha Noi Moi, Hanoi Radio and Television, Ho Chi Minh City Television, Tiktok.

Human Act Prize 2024 brings together sustainable development projects and community contribution initiatives from many domestic businesses, organizations and individuals, such as Canifa Joint Stock Company, Vietnam Airlines Corporation, Gaia Nature Conservation Center, the production team of the program As if there had been no separation, Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund and many other units...

We look forward to receiving the attention and support of the community!

Official website: https://humanactprize.org

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/HumanActPrize

Source: https://nhandan.vn/truong-hoc-hanh-phuc-nang-cao-hanh-phuc-hoc-duong-va-suc-khoe-tinh-than-cho-hoc-sinh-viet-nam-post843358.html