Expert raises awareness on health learning in schools

As part of activities marking social and emotional learning, an Abuja-based expert educator and author, Irene Ugbah, has raised awareness on the need for health learning in schools.

Ugbah, who disclosed this in Abuja while speaking to staff and pupils of Benvic Nursery and Primary School, said that the day was set aside to bring awareness of connecting teaching and learning to the heart.

She urged schools to emphasis on the kind of education that connects the heart of children.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) day is celebrated in the month of March annually. The theme for this year is, “Uplifting Hearts, Connecting Minds” and according to Ugba, the theme buttressed that social and emotional skills are essential ingredients for success.

She further explained that beyond the teaching of mathematics, English Language and other subjects, the school as a citadel of learning exists to teach empathy, compassion, kindness and friendliness as part of the qualities make people human.

She said: “The pupils that master social and emotional awareness from a young age are equipped with a skill that is as important as getting straight A’s in all their subjects. Like Aristotle states, educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all”, she added.

Ugba further advised schools to include more cooperative learning activities such as playing games, and group activities as they help to promote SEL.