I hated school, says Happiness Minister
dubai — “Not so long ago I was a student, a straight A student, in fact. But I am here to make a confession. I never liked school. I hated school.”
These were the words Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness used to address a packed audience of students, teachers and expert educators in the UAE on Monday.
While announcing the launch of the #100daysofpositivity initiative, she said she is living proof that a “positive attitude and determination” can get you very far.
“I simply never felt happy in school. But I hope we can create better experiences for (school) children so that nobody else has to feel the way I felt.”
More details of the initiative will be announced soon, but what we do know is that schools will be the target audience for the campaign. It is thought numerous projects that promote positive thinking among peers will coincide with the hashtag campaign.
Monday’s announcement came during the Knowledge and Human Development Authority’s (KHDA) ‘What Works’ campaign for this academic year.
This year’s theme is centred on ‘Happiness’.
Al Roumi invited school leaders to engage students, parents and teachers alike to become the global inspiration for positivity as well as happiness.
And she said if everyone gets on board, “it could be the catalyst towards important behavioural change” in the UAE’s education system. She also said she wants to adapt the concept of “brain brushing” in schools when it comes to well-being.
“We want to instil in kids that being positive is a habit, like brushing your teeth.”
What Works is thematic in nature and is based on ‘next practice’ to bring to educators in Dubai the latest thinking and research to drive school improvement, encourage more learning and engagement and promote innovation. kelly@khaleejtimes.com
The opportunity to try new things at school makes me happy. I have been able to volunteer, participate in concerts, be part of the student council and accompany my peers on educational school trips.” Aimen Malik,15, Pristine Private School
Team work makes me happy. I play in the school basketball team and just being able to engage and interact with others is a big positive. I think we should continuously encourage teamwork in schools.” James Cyrus, 16 , Pristine Private School
The music programme at my school promotes positivity. I want to see more initiatives with a music-focus. Music is a passion of mine and being able to showcase that talent to my peers helps builds confidence.” Aryan Oberoi, 15, Dubai College
What I love about my campus is the environment. It is big and is set up in a way that we walk outside to go from class to class. I would like more time for homework and more freedom to do the things we want.” Ammar Mooraj, 15, Dubai College