DIMAPUR — Chairperson of the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), Asano Sekhose, has stressed the need for educators to be equipped with necessary skills and knowledge to support students in overcoming challenges.
She stated this during the 2nd state-level webinar on social-emotional learning (SEL), organised virtually by ‘Dream a Dream,’ a non-profit organisation, in collaboration with the department of School Education and Nagaland Board of School Education on February 5 on the theme “Self awareness and educators’ wellbeing.”
The event was attended by educators, school heads and distinguished officials, who demonstrated a collective commitment to enhancing the educational landscape in the state with an aim was to explore into the intricate interplay of emotions, relationships, and personal growth recognising the transformative role that social-emotional learning (SEL) plays in shaping the educational experience of students and educators alike.
An update from NBSE stated that the seminar began with a welcome address delivered by a representative from the organisers, who also expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic participation and the success of the first edition.
Quoting Laurell K Hamilton, who once said, “There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds,” Sekhose emphasised that teachers are the frontline mentors to students and play a crucial role by being a friend, mentor and their teacher. She highlighted the connection between educators' emotional intelligence and the overall well-being of learners.
She further stressed the significance of such webinars and trainings facilitated by experts in the field of SEL, serving as a gateway for bringing more discussions, raise awareness and providing trainings to familiarise the importance of SEL especially in the state.
The keynote speaker, Tania from Dream a Dream, engaged participants in an interactive session, encouraging self-reflection and building self-awareness for educators.
The event included an experiential session where participants created their ‘toolkits’ by tracing their hands on paper and identifying five resources or coping mechanisms that they could access (tangible or intangible) during challenging times.
Tania further facilitated the creative and introspective activity to empower educators with tangible tools for self-care.
The question and answer session was moderated by Wati and Ketho of Dream a Dream, who encouraged the participants to engage with the speakers by sharing thoughts and seeking insights on various aspects of social-emotional learning.
The event concluded with a check-out question and a virtual group photograph.
It was informed that similar programme would be conducted in the month of March.