by Carol Fernandes & Sydelle Mascarenhas for BIS Mumbai

"True education begins where every child feels safe, included, and supported to thrive, regardless of their differences."

A Summit of School Principals on the theme "Protecting Students ‘At Risk’ – Promoting Psychological Safety in Schools" was held on January 22, 2025, at Don Bosco High School, Matunga. 182 delegates, including principals, heads, and teachers from schools throughout India, attended the event, which was co-hosted by Don Bosco High School, Matunga, and the Institute of Counsellor Training Research and Consultancy (ICTRC) under "Project Paradigm."

The principal of Don Bosco High School in Matunga, Mrs Anita Philip, gave the opening remarks at the summit. She emphasized on the importance of creating strong, continuous relationships within schools to foster growth and development for both students and educators. Chief guests for the summit included Mr Keshav Singh, Mr Aditya Nair, Rector Fr Godfrey D’Souza, and Mrs Anita Philip, who underscored the significance of psychological safety and inclusive education.

Dr Keshav Singh, coordinator and visiting faculty, led a session exploring the multifaceted concept of "students at risk." He addressed their social, academic, and psychological needs, emphasizing the importance of behaviour modification labs and targeted interventions. Introducing the concept of “ESM – Every Student Matters,” he advocated for a holistic approach that recognizes students’ untapped potential and rejects the notion that differences are deficiencies.

Mr Aditya Nair further elaborated on the challenges faced by at-risk students, citing factors like dysfunctional families, high-risk environments, and special educational needs. He discussed the consequences of these risks, including isolation, violence, substance abuse, and self-harm. Mr Nair also addressed gaps in school systems and the impact of policies like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the no-detention policy.

The summit emphasized tiered interventions, school counseling, after-school programs, and differentiated instruction to support at-risk students. It highlighted the importance of school-parent collaboration to create inclusive, supportive environments. Delegates left with actionable insights to address the diverse needs of at-risk students and foster psychologically safe and growth-oriented school environments.

The event highlighted the transformative role of education as an emotional process that transcends cognitive learning. It emphasized the importance of a relationship-driven support system, where teachers function as therapeutic educators and foster environments of intellectual humility. Flexible curricula, diagnostic assessments, and inclusive teaching strategies were proposed as vital tools to ensure that no child is marginalized.

The summit called for dismantling traditional educational barriers, promoting help-seeking behaviors, addressing emotional vulnerabilities, and nurturing each student’s potential. By creating psychologically safe spaces and combating emotional malnourishment, educators can transform learning into a journey of personal and intellectual growth, ensuring every child thrives.