The programme is integrated in the school’s curriculum for Year One to Year Six pupils. “They are allocated 35 minutes per week for the subject,” Jaswinder said, adding that it teaches them to be proactive, manage emotions, discuss the best solutions in any given situation and understand the consequences of actions.
Jaswinder, who is also the school’s chief executive officer, said it is the first school in peninsular Malaysia to be accredited by Franklin Covey to run the programme. She hoped that the pupils would contribute to society when they are older.
“We want inculcate the pupils with an attitude of gratitude,” she said, hoping that other schools adopt the programme as well. “We have an EduCare committee, made up of parents, which helps us financially and gives us moral support,” she said.
The initial cost of the programme is RM10,000. Thirty-five teachers and staff were sent for training conducted by Franklin Covey facilitators in June last year. One of the parents, Sarjit Kaur from Subang Jaya, hoped that the programme gives the pupils a foundation to face world challenges.
“It teaches the pupils to work together,” she said. The effectiveness of the programme will be evaluated over time. At secondary-school level, the students will be introduced to chapters from the book entitled Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens.
Ekankar Kaur and Kaheel Ari Venga, both 14, said that no one is left behind in the programme. “It has helped us to plan our time and think before reacting to a situation,” Ekankar said. They have a forum on homework and where they can post suggestions to teachers on their learning needs.
