KHDA launches Dubai wellbeing census

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Students studying in Indian curriculum schools, students with good relationships with adults at home, students with healthy friendships in schools, and children with a healthy diet and sleep pattern are the 'happiest'.

According to the first-ever 2017 Dubai wellbeing census conducted by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in association with the Department for Education and Child Development, Govt. of South Australia and the International Positive Education Network (IPEN), it is a combination of all above-mentioned factors that constitute welfare and prosperity among students.

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA Abdulla Al Karam said, "Education is an ecosystem. Good education should support a good life, and well-being supports a good life. At KHDA, we have made a commitment to making wellbeing an essential part of our conversation with teachers, parents and with students."

The survey is a comprehensive research conducted by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in association with the Department for Education and Child Development, Govt. of South Australia and the International Positive Education Network (IPEN).

The census measures how students in Dubai's private schools feel and think about their own wellbeing. It helps schools to improve student wellbeing and supports Dubai's vision to be among the top five happiest cities in the world by 2021.

The students surveyed were from Grades 6 to 9 (Years 7 to 10) during November to December 2017 and this is the first year of a five-year initiative. A total of 64, 686 students from 168 schools across 162 nationalities, of which 83 per cent of students has lived in the UAE for five years or longer. The survey measured social and emotional well-being, physical health and lifestyle, relationship and learning, and after-school activities.

Meanwhile, David Engelhardt, Director, Department for Education and Child Development at Government of South Australia, a partner in the survey, said, "Dubai now has one of the most comprehensive datasets on children's happiness and wellbeing in the world. This will be of enormous benefit in helping schools, communities and governments develop plans to improve the happiness of the children of Dubai."

He added, "KHDA's achievement in delivering a Wellbeing Census covering every school and offering every child in the middle years the opportunity to tell their story is world class. To deliver this in only nine months from commencing this project is a remarkable effort. The South Australian government and KHDA are committed to working together in coming years to build upon this foundation."

Dhanusha Gokulan The resident transport and traffic expert, with a touch of music, culture, and youth. I report on everything from rent hikes to traffic jams, from 'most expensive' experiences to tallest buildings, from encouraging upcoming talents to camels laughing. I've been a journalist for seven years and I am ridiculously passionate about music, books, internet memes, Facebook procrastination, and the occasional sport activity (candycrush).

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