by Fr Godfrey D’sa, Shalu Mehrotra, and Khushboo Rijhwani for BIS Mumbai

Prafulta, Centre for Psychological Wellness, Andheri, was awarded an Exemplary Rating under CSR projects by Bluesky Sustainable Business LLP for its Emotional Development & Career Guidance Program (EDCG) supported by L&T.

Covering age-appropriate topics for classes 5 -10, the EDCG program offers a comprehensive toolkit for emotional well-being.

School curriculums traditionally prioritized academics and catered to intellectual development. They had a limited understanding of mental health, more so of Emotional Intelligence (EI), a crucial aspect of development in a student's overall individual growth and well-being. 

Prafulta recognized and bridged this gap with an approach that fostered emotional understanding, healthy relationships, and essential life skills. Emotional Intelligence enables individuals to understand and navigate their feelings, make sound decisions, and thrive in all aspects of life. The EDCG curriculum, initiated in 2015, equips students for a happier and more fulfilling life by cultivating self-awareness, emotional regulation, and skills like time management and concentration. 

Recognizing the importance of collaboration, the curriculum offers sessions for parents and teachers, enabling them to understand better and effectively guide students.

Reaching out to over 10,000 students annually with four interventions, including a significant number of children from underprivileged backgrounds, the EDCG program has seen substantial growth since its start. This impact would not have been possible without the crucial support of L&T.

To promote emotional well-being in a fun-filled way, the 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham' event was also created, to celebrate friendships and explore emotions through storytelling, dance, and interactive sessions.

Coming back full circle  

The impact assessment by Bluesky on this program highlighted some important findings: 

• Emotional Management: 97.2% of Grade 9 students feel better equipped to manage their emotions demonstrating improvement in emotional intelligence and resilience. 

• Self-Confidence: 90% of students in grade 10 report an increase in self-esteem reflecting the program's effectiveness in personal growth. 

• Self-development: 100% of Grade 8 and 10 students report a positive impact on self-development.

• Engagement and Enthusiasm: 98.3% of 8th-grade students felt positive about attending sessions that promote participation and personal growth, with 64.4% strongly agreeing and 33.9% agreeing. 

• Career Guidance Effectiveness: 90% of Grade 10 students have a clearer understanding of future study and career options. Students feel equipped with tools for informed decision-making.

The remarkable growth of the EDCG program, since its initiation, has been a profoundly enriching experience for all involved: Team Prafulta, Team L&T, and the dedicated counselors.