Studies have pointed out that the younger generations of Indians—millennial and Gen Z—are more prone to anxiety and stress than the generations before them. The stressors include difficult socio-economic conditions, distressing family dynamics, pressure at school, and poor work–life balance. It is important for the youth to have spaces where they can share their feelings with others. Such spaces can bring together people with similar experiences, and might even help someone find a solution to a problem they’ve been struggling with. But creating and sustaining such a community requires people to think differently. And that’s exactly what social–emotional learning, or SEL, does. It is a learning process that focuses on building a culture of sharing, deep listening, and empathising. And it is essential for our society, now more than ever.
In this video, development practitioners and school teachers working on an SEL programme in Jharkhand speak about its relevance for people across ages.
This is the first article in a 12-part series supported by Porticus. The series highlights lessons and insights on whole child development, seeking to build an understanding of the opportunities and solutions that can enable social–emotional well-being for children and young people.
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