THE St Catherine-based Enid Bennett High School has launched an initiative that will foster a nurturing environment in which students can strive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Speaking at the launch of the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Programme on Thursday at the school, acting Vice-Principal Latoya Bird-Miller said the initiative is one that moves the school beyond the academic framework and into a holistic approach to education.

“It is not just another project but a necessary step in responding to the realities we face in our classrooms, hallways, and community.

“This programme is reflective of our school’s unwavering dedication to addressing the social, emotional, and behavioural needs of our students, while empowering them with skills to thrive academically, socially, and personally,” said Bird-Miller

She argued that educators often witness students struggling with emotional challenges that hinder their ability to learn.

According to Bird-Miller, despite the myriad efforts from existing programmes and professionals, such as guidance counsellors and deans of discipline who have worked tirelessly to support the students, “the challenges we face require a school-wide approach”.

She added: “It became clear that SEL could not remain the responsibility of a few. It is the responsibility of all of us. This realisation led us to adopt a systematic and structured approach to SEL, grounded in the following principle.

“Every student deserves consistent opportunities to develop their social and emotional skills regardless of their form, group, or grade. By creating a handbook, we ensure all staff members, whether form teachers or administrators, are equipped with clear strategies and tools.”

For acting principal of the school Winsome Johnson, the programme is about shaping individuals who are confident, empathetic, and resilient.

“In today’s fast-paced and challenging world, our students need more than just knowledge. They need skills to manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and make reasonable decisions, and this is where our social and emotional learning takes place, and it is vital,” said Johnson.

In the meantime, senior education officer in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, Stephney Webb-Parker, said it was the first time she was hearing that social and emotional learning was being introduced into a space guided by a curriculum.

“For the very first time it is going to be taught by every teacher, every administrator, and every ancillary worker. They are coming on board, that is where we need to go.

“Those who are doing well are those persons who are grounded, not just in grades but grounded in social and emotional understanding. Having selected a theme ‘Beyond Academics: Social and Emotional Learning for Success’, you really are on the right path. You really are trendsetters, and I pray that you follow through on this,” said Webb-Parker.

— JIS