KHDA’s ‘School of Hearts’ initiative results announced on International Day of Happiness
Most students in Dubai are happy with their school, according to new findings announced by Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Focusing on positive education and wellbeing of students, the findings were unveiled at an event announcing results of the ‘School of Hearts’ initiative.
Students from two age groups were invited to participate in the initiative that helped schools discover more about their school environment. Among 12 to 16 year old students, 78 per cent said they were happy with their school while younger children, between the age group 9 to 13 year old, reported a higher happiness level at 83 per cent.
More than 9000 students from more than 35 schools took part in the School of Hearts initiative. Students shared their views in three broad categories – physical wellbeing, relationship with adults and relationship with other students.
Hind Al Mualla, Chief of Creativity, Happiness & Innovation at KHDA, said, “Being happy and healthy at school is an enabler of good education. A child’s emotional health is one of the most powerful predictors of adult-life satisfaction and the school environment plays a big role in influencing children. We want schools to support and promote emotional development of students.”
“If students feel safe at school, welcomed at school, are treated with respect and given opportunities to learn, mature and grow – they will meet their potential and learn positive social lessons. Being connected with a caring adult can enable all of this while making a child feel safe,” added Hind Al Mualla.
In the second phase of the initiative, each participating school will receive an individualised report from KHDA that will help schools to discuss the happiness of students by hosting ‘listening circles’ to bring together students, teachers and school leaders.
The results were announced on March 20, which is globally celebrated as the international day of happiness. Since the International Day of Happiness was established by United Nations in 2012, thousands of happiness initiatives all over the world have emerged to celebrate and promote its values.
Key Findings from ‘School Of Hearts’
| 9 to 13 years old | 12 to 16 years old |
| 83% said “I am happy to be at my school” | 78% said “I am happy to be at my school” |
| 80% ate breakfast in the morning | 72% ate breakfast in the morning |
| 83% came to school feeling well rested | 65% came to school feeling well rested |
| 94% like to be physically active | 92% like to be physically active |
| 85% feel safe at school | 76% feel very safe at school |
| 61% eat fruits and vegetables (at least twice a week or more) | 53% eat fruits and vegetables (at least twice a week or more) |
| 93% said a parent or grown-up at home cares about my homework | 87% said a parent or grown-up at home cares about my homework |
What is School of Hearts?
School of Hearts is an initiative by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) reaching out to students aged between 9 and 16 years old. Inspiring schools and families to look beyond examination results, the initiative focuses on three key areas – school environment, personal wellness and peer-support by asking questions relating to their safety, health and interactions at school.
- KHDA Media
