Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlights Kerala’s new-era schooling to enhance quality learning and address adolescent challenges.
Published Jun 01, 2025 | 6:28 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 01, 2025 | 6:28 PM
Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty. (Facebook)
Synopsis: The Kerala General Education Department is transforming the academic year’s start into a celebration of learning, empathy, and social awareness through the ‘Koodeyundu Karuthekan’ initiative, aimed at guiding adolescents through the complexities of growing up in today’s world.
Welcome to a New Era of Learning
When schools across Kerala reopen on 2 June, classrooms will not merely fill with students—they will buzz with vibrant discussions on life, values, and the society that extends beyond textbooks. This new approach marks **a significant shift towards holistic education**, integrating real-world concerns into the learning process.
The **Kerala General Education Department (GED)** is spearheading this transformative initiative that promotes **learning, empathy, and social awareness**. It aims to elevate students from rote memorization to meaningful dialogue on crucial topics, including **drug abuse**, **road safety**, **civic responsibility**, **mental health**, and **digital discipline**.
Emphasizing Values and Wellbeing
The initiative is not just another educational policy; it’s a revolutionary step towards nurturing responsible and value-driven citizens. The GED describes this movement as ‘transformative,’ designed to ensure comprehensive quality education, tailored for every student’s growth.
Backed by a formal government order, this initiative prioritizes effective knowledge acquisition, assessing learning outcomes continuously throughout the academic year. Through this initiative, Kerala aims to nurture **responsible citizens**, emphasizing principles like **democracy, equality, secularism, and social responsibility**.
Real-World Application Through Engaging Activities
Activities that will be part of this new approach include:
- Reading sessions and discussions on pressing social issues
- Health and hygiene campaigns
- Digital safety awareness initiatives
- Environmental conservation projects
All these activities are designed to weave societal values directly into the fabric of academic life, making learning not just informative but also **transformative**.
The Structure of the Program
With a structured plan in place, each school will participate in daily activities tailored to students’ ages and understanding. The curriculum will address significant themes—starting with discussions against drug abuse and continuing with activities around road safety and personal hygiene.
On **5 June**, students will engage in campus beautification drives, promoting a **clean and green environment**, while future sessions will focus on encouraging responsible digital habits and teamwork. A detailed calendar guides these themes, ensuring every class from 2 to 10 participates actively in their learning journey.
Spotlight on Adolescent Wellbeing
Aiming to specifically address challenges faced by adolescents, the ‘Koodeyundu Karuthekan’ program will kick off on **2 June**, focusing on **integrated support systems**. This initiative will work alongside various governmental agencies to combat issues such as **ragging**, **drug use**, and **vehicle misuse**.
Activities planned include:
- 3-5 June: Legal awareness sessions on ragging laws and personal hygiene training.
- 9-11 June: Workshops emphasizing a positive mental attitude.
- 18-19 June: Themed workshops focusing on constructive life choices.
Enhancing Quality Learning
**Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan** emphasized that these educational initiatives not only enhance learning quality but also address adolescent issues. Both initiatives—the value-driven learning and the ‘Koodeyundu Karuthekan’ program—aim to equip young minds for the challenges of modern society.
The celebratory launch event, the **Praveshanolsavam** or school entrance festival, will occur on **2 June** at **Kalavur Government Higher Secondary School** in Alappuzha, where school officials, parents, and students will unite to welcome this new academic year with excitement and enthusiasm.
In conclusion, as Kerala embarks on this bold educational journey, it stands as a commendable example of prioritizing not merely academic excellence, but the development of well-rounded individuals prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
