Nurturing emotions - Building happy schools

Delegates contributing opinions at the workshop on the Happy School Program

Speaking at the workshop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Thi Hong Van, lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Education, Hue University, emphasized the challenges that remain, such as school violence, achievement pressure, and mental health issues. Globally, one in seven adolescents aged 10 - 19 suffers from a mental disorder, accounting for 15% of the global disease burden in this age group.

Schools that can nurture happiness hold the key to ensuring better health and academic performance. Happy schools value the diversity of talents and intelligences by recognizing individual strengths, values, and contributions that foster well-being.

Mr. Nguyen Vinh Hung, Deputy Director of the City Department of Education and Training, noted that the Happy School Program, initiated and supported by Eurasia, is built on 20 years of experience in special and inclusive education. Since its pilot launch in Hue in 2018, followed by Hanoi, the model has proven effective in practice: teachers receive professional development, students achieve holistic growth, and schools become cohesive communities.

For students, this means they are studying in a safe environment where differences are respected and understood. They get to receive emotional and mental support, as well as the ability to grow within an inclusive setting.

This year, 150 out of 569 schools across four educational levels in Hue City have registered to join the program. Based on the program’s practical needs and relevant criteria, the city’s education sector will select participating schools in phases of the project.