CBSE and AIIMS Delhi Partner for "Project MATE" to Boost Adolescent Mental Wellness

CBSE has collaborated with AIIMS Delhi to launch "Project MATE," a wellness program for school counselors and teachers. The initiative aims to address adolescent stress and emotional well-being.

In a significant and proactive step towards prioritizing student mental health, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has partnered with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, to introduce a pioneering initiative called "Project MATE" (Mind Activation Through Education). This first-of-its-kind adolescent wellness training program is specifically designed to empower and equip school counselors and wellness teachers from CBSE-affiliated institutions.

The inaugural session, a five-day intensive training program, is currently underway, with approximately 50 counselors from the Delhi-NCR region participating. The primary objective of Project MATE is to create a robust support system within schools that can effectively address the rising challenges of stress, anxiety, emotional disconnection, and loneliness faced by today's students. By training these frontline educators, the initiative seeks to foster a healthier and more supportive academic environment.

Key Focus Areas of the Training

The training module for Project MATE is comprehensive and is being led by a team of experienced specialists in psychiatry, psychology, and communication from AIIMS. The program's curriculum includes a wide range of critical topics aimed at building a strong foundation for adolescent well-being:

• Anxiety and Stress Management: Techniques and strategies to help students cope with academic pressure and personal anxieties.
• Parental Awareness: Educating counselors on how to involve parents in their children's mental health journey and foster a collaborative support network.
• Digital Well-being: Addressing the impact of screen time and social media on mental health and promoting responsible digital usage.
• De-stigmatization of Mental Health: Strategies to create an open and non-judgmental atmosphere where students feel comfortable seeking help without fear of stigma.

Future Plans and Implications

This initial five-day training program is considered a pilot project. The outcomes will be thoroughly evaluated to assess its effectiveness. Based on the results, CBSE and AIIMS will consider scaling up Project MATE to a national level, potentially training thousands of counselors and teachers across the country.

The launch of Project MATE signifies a major shift in the approach to education, recognizing that academic excellence is intrinsically linked to a student's mental and emotional health. For regular updates on educational initiatives and a comprehensive list of medical stream courses and entrance exams, follow Only Education News and visit the following links: [https://www.onlyeducation.in/exams-list/medical].