Out of 326 innovation submissions from 71 countries, 34 innovations were shortlisted for this Spotlight on Wellbeing in Schools. These innovations approach wellbeing through different perspectives, and the diversity of approaches demonstrate the breadth of possibilities for supporting student wellbeing and highlight the multifaceted approach needed to improve student wellbeing on a global level.
Graph shows the key focus of wellbeing innovations submitted to this Spotlight (New innovation submissions that met the Spotlight criteria)
The key themes that arose in our innovation longlist (new innovation submissions that met the Spotlight criteria) are highlighted in the diagram above. Nearly half of the innovations in the longlist focussed on either Social Emotional Learning (SEL), mental health or having a wellbeing curriculum.
“We were excited to see innovations addressing indigenous and refugee wellbeing, submissions from students, and innovations utilising a variety of methods, from the local environment, to AI”
These innovations were predominantly program based (41.9%), followed by using digital resources (20.9%). The diagram below shows the types of wellbeing innovations submitted to this Spotlight.
Graph shows the types of wellbeing innovations submitted to this Spotlight (New innovation submissions that met the Spotlight criteria)
Why a Spotlight on Wellbeing in Schools?
Partners in Learning (Seekho Sikhao Saathi in Urdu) programme
Research has shown that wellbeing is declining for young people globally, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the need to focus on improving student wellbeing in schools. Although wellbeing initiatives are commonplace in schools, not all of these initiatives are grounded in scientific evidence. The ambition of this Spotlight is to ensure that wellbeing innovations in schools are evidence-based and support a healthy and flourishing learning environment for all students.
How were the innovations shortlisted?
Map of Innovation Submission Regions
We received a diverse pool of 326 innovation submissions from 71 countries for this Spotlight. “We had an impressive number of submissions to this Spotlight. As well as showcasing a diverse global spread, we were excited to see innovations addressing indigenous and refugee wellbeing, submissions from students, and innovations utilising a variety of methods, from the local environment, to AI,” explains Frederika Warren, Research Advisor at HundrED.
It was challenging to compare the different interventions; we therefore had in-depth discussions with our partners after the Research Team’s initial review period. Each partner had the opportunity to review, evaluate and give feedback on the innovations as we collaborated and worked towards creating a shortlist.
Ultimately, innovations chosen for the shortlist were selected because they demonstrate evidence of impact on wellbeing, have innovative approaches for their context, and show potential for scaling.
Shortlisted Innovations:
- Switch4Schools
- Ginnie & Pinney 'Learning Emotions' Flash Cards
- Learn To Play - Ithute Go Tshameka
- ConViver no Tomaz Muniz
- EPIC - Explore- Play-Innovate Create
- smART Community Connections
- Connected North
- My Guide Inside
- Roots of Empathy
- Jardin Nativo de Aprendizaje - Native Learning Gardens
- Patio Vivo
- Embedding wellbeing in Ethiopian schools
- Let's talk about children - An Effective Child & Family Method for schools
- The Happiness Lesson Integrated Programmes
- Using Play to Better our World
- Arts Practices for Inclusion
- Kavach
- Inspire High
- Happy Schools
- Reaching our Goals - Using sport to improve wellbeing for vulnerable youth in Malawi
- Sticks 'n Stones
- Partners in Learning (Seekho Sikhao Saathi in Urdu)
- The Happiness Project
- The Future Will Not Be Taught: How to Reimagine Education and Build A Thriving Learning Community
- Flying Colors
- Cherish Learning
- SuperBetter
- Springhouse
- Learner Profiles
- Freedom Rhythm: E-motion Focused Movement
- Wisdom: The World of Emotions
- MindPrint Learning
- Peace of Mind
- SuperBetter Children
Next Steps
The Advisory Board review period has just drawn to a close. Over the first two weeks in August, 100 experts from 45 countries followed a rigorous review method and evaluated the 34 shortlisted innovations for this Spotlight, with each innovation receiving an average of 43 reviews. For this Spotlight we were also excited to include 10 Youth Advisory Board members to share their insights. HundrED’s Research Team and its partners for this Spotlight will now begin the process of creating a final shortlist of 10-15 innovations based on the Advisory Board’s insights. These innovations will be showcased in our Spotlight on Wellbeing in Schools Report, which will be published in December 2024.
Header Photo: Learn To Play - Ithute Go Tshameka
