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 ‘21st-century skills for the youth.’
Here are a few excerpts from what Gurudev said:
Lessons on sensibility & sensitivity
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.
The best of the East & the West
The East can imbibe more of the discipline of the West, while the latter can learn that it’s 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.
Focus & mindfulness
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.
Tools to deal with emotions
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.
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’t work that way. We need to teach them how to manage their mind, emotions, and how to be more positive.
Stress management
Broadening one’s vision is one important aspect while the other is learning some breathing exercises and meditation. In fact, the two are complementary and need to be done simultaneously. Making use of the breath through breathing techniques and meditation will help reduce stress. Shifting the context of life helps to have a broadened vision of life. Then, little things do not bother you as much. When your vision is small, even a little thing will throw you off-balance.
A multicultural society
A multicultural society has great advantages: teaches tolerance and promotes brotherhood. It adds richness to life, makes people more open and diverse in thinking, and prods them to shed their prejudices.
We must ensure that young people from all different backgrounds, races, religions, and cultures don’t lose faith in the system. Because if they do, they get shaken up.
Upliftment of children
If children have a sense of confidence in their minds and hearts, they won’t go on the wrong path, nor will they have paranoia or fear. Normal functioning of the mind can be resumed from extreme emotions like self-deprivation, victim consciousness, and culprit consciousness. We have to lift children from victim consciousness. Introspection and meditation will help because in society we cannot expect so much perfection from everyone. Nor will everyone be of the same mindset. Honor everybody, treat everybody equally.
Vision for children
Give children a long-term vision. Perhaps they want to be a great scientist, lawyer, or doctor or want to contribute to the world as a good politician. As long as children have a vision, their energy gets focussed, and they don’t get into other stuff. This is where teachers can help. Invoke passion and compassion in children – it is already there in them. With these qualities, children can become great citizens of the world.