A happy learner is more likely to be a thriving one – better able to solve problems and apply critical thinking skills, more self-confident and likelier to form and foster positive relationships with others. Happy learners require Happy Schools, those that ensure the holistic development and well-being of students and the wider school community.
In today’s rapidly changing world, we are faced with increasing mobility, life stress, competition, information overload, inequalities and environmental concerns. As these symptoms of ‘unhappiness’ begin to emerge, the Happy Schools Project calls for the need for education systems to reposition the school as more than a service for educational instruction, but rather, an environment which allows for social and emotional growth and development for learners to contribute to a more peaceful, just and equitable world.
The Happy Schools Art Contest seeks to capture actions, moments and ideas that are promoting happiness in schools. All residents of the Asia-Pacific region are invited to submit images of any kind (photos, drawings, cartoons, paintings, graphics, and posters) along with a caption/description that captures the concept of Happy Schools.
The competition is open to people of all ages residing in the Asia-Pacific region. This includes students, teachers, school leaders and parents. The competition also welcomes submissions from amateur and professional artists, photographers and designers.
The top three contestants will win a trip to Bangkok and will be invited to present their image at a special launch event to coincide with the International Day of Happiness (20 March 2016).
www.unic-ir.org/