The Happiness Project is based on the real-life tale of an Indian teenage girl who dreams of a society in which mental health and welfare are given top priority by all educational institutions, youth organizations, and individuals.
Worldreader and Ashoka worked together to create this children's picture book. Its goal is to urge adults worldwide to help children on their journey and to inspire children everywhere to become Changemakers.
Apoorvi always enjoyed the same pastimes as her older sister, Riya.
In the garden, they would pursue one another. They would engage in hide-and-seek games. They also wore the same clothing and read the same books as they grew older.
"My best friend is my sister." Sitting next to her during supper, Apoorvi would ponder.
However, Riya changed after a year. She lost the desire to laugh, talk, and play. She never took her eyes off the earth. She also stayed in her room by herself a lot.
"What is the matter with Riya?" Apoorvi inquired with her mom. Apoorvi's mother gave her a big hug and appeared to be upset.
"Riya suffers from depression. Depression is a disease that causes extreme sadness and exhaustion. Even when you are surrounded by loved ones, it can still make you feel alone.
"How can we assist her, though?" Apoorvi inquired.
She was willing to try anything.
Apoorvi's father invited Riya to share her feelings with them at supper that evening. Everyone paid attention to her and made an effort to lift her spirits.
"We will always love and support you," he declared.
Following this, Apoorvi often inquires about her sister's emotional state. She makes an effort to brighten her day when she's feeling down.
She either takes her outside for a stroll in the sunshine or offers her some sweets. This is helpful to Riya at times. However, it doesn't always.
Riya begins to visit Miss Anaka, the school counselor. One of Miss Anika's responsibilities is to listen to and support pupils who are struggling.
During a snack one day, Apoorvi and Riya exchange gratitude for Apoorvi's assistance.
"I would have felt so much worse if we hadn't spoken. Many children have no one with whom to chat. Additionally, many schools lack counselors. I feel very lucky.”
Apoorvi rests her head on her pillow that night, but her eyes remain awake. She had trouble falling asleep!
Apoorvi feels happy that she could assist her sister.
However, what about the other children who don't have counselors at their schools or supporting families?
The following day, Apoorvi visits Miss Anika at school.
"I would like to assist in educating other schools about depression." I wish to assist kids like my sister Riya.
According to Ms. Anika, "it will be hard." In India, people are reluctant to discuss mental health. Furthermore, a lot of people don't think it's a significant issue.
Even if it would be extremely challenging, Apoorvi is committed to trying to assist.
Ms. Anika and Apoorvi collaborate to come up with answers.
How can they demonstrate to the government and the school the importance of mental health?
"A survey can be conducted!" With excitement, Apoorvi yells. "Students can be questioned about their emotional states."
Ms. Anika and Apoorvi go to a local school. Teachers are shocked by the responses they receive after distributing the survey to hundreds of kids.
Many students experience loneliness, anxiety, or sadness. Many pupils require assistance.
"We have to help our students." A instructor says.
"Anyone can be impacted by mental illness."
The educators decide to begin educating pupils and their families about mental health issues, including anxiety and despair. They hold extra lessons and arrive beyond school hours.
A student by the name of Ishaan presents himself to Apoorvi following one of these lessons.
He remarks, "I think what you're doing is so important."
"I've noticed a shift in the way my professors assist their pupils. How can my school encourage more kids to participate in this project?
Several more pupils will soon want to assist. Apoorvi visits seven other schools with her team of student volunteers to conduct surveys and provide mental health seminars. She assists more than 3,000 students overall!
"But more work needs to be done." Apoorvi ponders in her mind. "I want to work as a counselor when I grow up.
After that, I may continue to assist and effect change.
The Wheel of Feelings:
The majority of us just utilize a small vocabulary or selection of words to express how we feel.
A key component of developing our emotional intelligence is broadening our vocabulary of emotive terms.
To better understand your feelings, go over the feeling wheel for each task.
The Happiness Project Activities
Activity 1: Morning Assembly
Age Range: 3–12
Ability: Collaboration and empathy
Materials: A collection of individuals
Why?
We can foster the maturity and support that children require to act with empathy by reiterating the notion that young people belong to a community where everyone looks out for one another.
These communities can be established at home, at school, with a sports team, in a public library, and more.
How?
Step 1: Say hello to each other Form a circle.
Ask each person to introduce themselves by name. As a group, note who is there and who is not, if it is raining, and who is grinning and who finds it difficult to smile.
Encourage everyone to express their thoughts.
Step 2: Encourage sharing | Provide the group with some interesting news and give each other encouraging feedback.
Step 3: Make it special | Establish a daily routine that is special to you all as a group. When the group is together, practice this action daily.
For instance:
- Create a covert handshake.
- Every day, pose a personal query. For instance, "Which holiday is your favorite?" or "What animal would you be if you could be any animal?"
- The person next to you deserves a complement.
- Tell us what you think today. For instance, "laugher," "calm," or "kindness."
Whether it's every Monday with your class, every weekend morning with your family, or every evening with your soccer team, repeat this exercise whenever your group gets together.
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