The current younger generations have been grappling with unprecedented conditions in 2020. The future of education would require a shift in perspective to offer children the skills they truly need. Whether it is examining the education system every 5-10 years to keep up with the changes or honing the soft skills of every individual child, there is much to be done. In a heartfelt panel discussion, several educationalists and thought leaders from the Netherlands spoke with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on \u201821st-century skills for the youth.\u2019<\/p>\n
Here are a few excerpts from what Gurudev said:<\/p>\n
In formal education, we do not pay much attention to training our young people in adaptability, disaster management skills, and emotional intelligence. This is something very important because young people either block their emotions or become so vulnerable to them. Small things shake them. We need to give them that fine-tuning of sensibility – tell them to be sensitive to others, sensible in their own precepts, concepts, and how to view other people. This type of training in their emotional intelligence and spiritual wisdom is much needed – to be centered, come what may, and face challenges to move on.<\/p>\n
The East can imbibe more of the discipline of the West, while the latter can learn that it\u2019s alright to make mistakes and that mistakes are, infact, part of the learning process. With this open-hearted spirit of learning, students will become stronger, freer, and more confident.<\/p>\n
We need to re-examine the education system every 5-10 years and align it with the current times. Children are much more global in their thinking and their approach now. They have a huge arena of knowledge available to them. Counseling techniques that help children to stay more focussed and mindful are required. I would recommend that teachers and caregivers teach children some breathing exercises because the breath is connected to our presence of mind, and breathing exercises and meditation will make a great difference to their lives.<\/p>\n
Our youth are suffering from two extremes – they get depressed on the one hand and get agitated and aggressive on the other. These two extremes clog the mental health of people, especially the young generation.<\/p>\n
We need to give them self confidence, self-appraisal, and tools and techniques to manage their emotions. It is natural to feel angry, jealous, and get upset but you should know how to get out of this. Neither at home nor in school are children taught how to deal with their emotions. We leave all our negative emotions to nature, to God, to take care of. But it doesn\u2019t work that way. We need to teach them how to manage their mind, emotions, and how to be more positive.<\/p>\n