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What brings happiness to UAE students?

Dubai - Educational institutions in Dubai are going to great lengths to keep students happy. This ensures overall success, says KHDA

More than ever, schools need to focus on the happiness quotient of its students. A research has proven that happier children suffer from very little academic stress, and perform far better than children who are constantly told to do well in studies. Which means, a happier student population gives birth to a happier work force of the future.

According to Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), academic achievement alone does not determine students' happiness.

"Happiness is infectious," said Hind Al Mulla, Chief of Engagement at the KHDA. "All the research says that a happier environment leads to a happier future. From us here at the KHDA to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and other research or-ganisations, agree that academic achievement is not considered a full accomplishment.""It's more important than ever before, so much so, happiness is now part of government agenda as well," said Al Mulla.

The schools need to demonstrate and provide evidence on the following elements - healthy eating, holistic living, and positive work-ing and studying environments. The third judging category-star of the community will look at how schools make activities provided to their students also available to their staff, parents, and general community; and thirdly the most innovative school in implementing health and wellbeing programmes: schools that have achieved its target by implementing out-of-the-box practices and ideas will be awarded."

Schools have focused on academic achievements for too long." However, schools are now adopt-ing a more balanced approach and we want them to encourage that more and more. Pay attention to these factors Speaking to Khaleej Times, Rianne Selwyn, the English Teacher Coodinator at JSS Private School said: "Teachers and parents share an interdependent relationship that contributes towards the happiness of the students.

"We pay a lot of attention to-wards the health and high activity levels of the school child."Teachers also said students need to be taught yoga and meditation to calm the child.

Arpita Jani, the school counselor at Delhi Private School Dubai said: "Children also need to be encouraged to pray ev-ery few minutes in a day. This greatly relaxes their mind and they look at matters more positively."Hind also stated that all parents want happiness for their children.

"The most important thing for any parent is that their child stays happy," she said.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com