UNESCO, CBSE & NCERT to Enhance Student Wellness Programs Across Schools

In a significant step toward enhancing the mental, emotional, and physical health of school children, CBSE, NCERT, and UNESCO have come together to scale up the School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP). This initiative, part of the Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat mission, aims to build healthier and more resilient learning environments for over 15 million adolescents across 30,000 CBSE-affiliated schools.

Empowering Schools Through Capacity-Building Workshops

The latest milestone in this initiative was marked by the 11^th capacity-building workshop held in New Delhi, led by NCERT with support from UNESCO. The event focused on expanding a national network of Master Trainers who will spearhead the implementation of SHWP in schools and train fellow educators through CBSE Centres of Excellence.

Held in June and July 2025, the training programme brought together over 290 principals, school leaders, and teachers from 22 states and 5 union territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, Assam, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. These workshops aim to equip educators with the tools to address adolescent health issues holistically.

New SHWP Curriculum and Tools Launched

To support the rollout of the programme, NCERT and UNESCO have developed a comprehensive 24-hour curriculum, accompanied by training modules, facilitator guides, and multimedia learning resources such as:

• Animated videos

• A comic book

• Multilingual content in Hindi, English, and nine regional languages

These resources address 11 key wellness themes, including:

• Emotional well-being

• Gender sensitivity

• Mental health awareness

• Reproductive health

• Nutrition and fitness

• Safe and responsible internet use

Mental Health & Inclusion: Core to NEP 2020 Vision

Speaking at the event, Anandrao V Patil, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Education, emphasized that mental wellness, inclusive education, and gender equality are integral to realizing the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. “You are changemakers. Never forget that,” he urged educators, underlining the transformative power of schools in nurturing empathetic and responsible individuals.

Voices from the Leadership

• Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT, highlighted how the workshops help educators understand students' personal and emotional contexts, especially when challenges in the home environment are not apparent.

• Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO South Asia Regional Office, reiterated the importance of aligning health and education, stating:

  "Health and education are not separate goals; they are interconnected pillars of equity, dignity, and opportunity."

Impact So Far: Reaching the Grassroots

Since its launch in February 2020, SHWP has made significant progress:

• 11 major workshops organized since August 2022

• 970 Master Trainers developed nationwide

• Over 40,000 teachers trained through 754 capacity-building programmes

With each session, the initiative moves closer to embedding wellness education as a core element in India’s school system.

A Healthier Future Starts in Schools

As the SHWP continues to grow, CBSE, NCERT, and UNESCO remain committed to supporting the health and well-being of India's youth. The expanded reach and depth of the programme are setting a new benchmark for integrating life skills, mental health, and holistic wellness into school curricula.