Wellbeing at the Heart of Education: Building Thriving Learners, Educators, and School Communities

In an era marked by rapid change, uncertainty, and increasing pressure on education systems worldwide, wellbeing has moved from the margins to the centre of educational discourse (OECD, 2019; UNESCO, 2021). For schools, colleges, and education stakeholders represented at GESS Education, wellbeing is no longer an “add-on” programme but a foundational pillar for effective teaching, meaningful learning, and sustainable school communities. When wellbeing is prioritised, learners flourish, educators remain motivated, and institutions become resilient spaces that nurture both academic excellence and human dignity.

Understanding Wellbeing in Education

Wellbeing in education is holistic, encompassing physical, emotional, social, mental, and spiritual dimensions of human development (WHO, 2014). It is not merely the absence of stress or illness, but the presence of positive relationships, a sense of purpose, emotional regulation, safety, and belonging. In learning environments, wellbeing shapes how students engage with learning, how teachers relate to learners, and how leadership decisions influence school culture.

Research indicates that educators who feel supported are more effective and less prone to burnout while students with positive wellbeing show improved engagement, behaviour, and academic outcomes, (OECD, 2019). Wellbeing, therefore, represents both an ethical commitment and a strategic investment in educational quality.

The Growing Wellbeing Challenge

According to UNESCO, (2021), education systems globally are facing rising levels of anxiety, emotional distress, behavioural challenges, and teacher fatigue, trends intensified by post-pandemic realities, digital pressures, and social change. Schools are increasingly expected to respond not only to academic needs but also to mental health concerns, trauma and complex social realities.

Educators often serve on the front line of this response, frequently without sufficient training or resources. At the same time, learners, particularly adolescent, are navigating identity formation, peer pressure, and heightened expectations in a competitive and digitally saturated world. These realities call for intentional, systemic, and culturally responsive wellbeing approaches.

Embedding Wellbeing into School Culture

Effective wellbeing initiatives extend beyond isolated programmes or awareness events. They are embedded within school culture through leadership, policy, and everyday practice. School leaders play a critical role by fostering trust, modelling healthy behaviours and prioritising relationships.

Curriculum design is equally important. Integrating life skills, social-emotional learning, emotional intelligence and values-based education equips learners with essential tools for self-awareness, emotional regulation, relationship-building, and responsible decision-making. When these competencies are taught consistently, learners develop resilience and adaptability that support lifelong learning.

Teacher Wellbeing: The Foundation of Student Success

Teacher wellbeing is central to sustainable education systems. Teaching is emotionally demanding, and prolonged stress, high workloads, and accountability pressures can undermine educators’ capacity to support learners effectively (OECD, 2020). Schools that invest in teacher wellbeing create conditions for professional growth, collaboration, reflection, and work-life balance.

Supportive structures, such as mentoring, peer collaboration, access to counselling, and professional development focused on emotional competence, enable teachers to thrive. When educators feel valued and supported, classroom environments become more positive, engaging, and responsive to learners’ needs.

Student Wellbeing and Voice

Student wellbeing is strengthened when learners feel safe, respected, and heard. Schools that actively include student voice foster a sense of agency and belonging, both of which are critical to emotional health and engagement. Practices such as peer mentoring, leadership opportunities, and safe reporting systems help cultivate inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Wellbeing approaches must also be equitable and inclusive, recognising the diverse experiences of learners, including those from vulnerable backgrounds or with additional needs. Wellbeing and inclusion are inseparable; schools cannot nurture wellbeing without attending to dignity, fairness, and access for all learners.

The Role of Families, Community, and Technology

Wellbeing is a shared responsibility between schools, families and communities. Strong partnerships reinforce consistent messages of care and provide learners with broader support networks. Therefore, community resources such as health professionals, counsellors, and faith or cultural leaders are needed to strengthen schools’ capacity to support holistic development.

While, technology offers both opportunities and challenges, digital tools can enhance access to learning and support. Hence, excessive screen time and online risks require careful guidance. Educators play a key role in promoting healthy digital habits and balanced technology use (UNESCO, 2021).

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

As education systems look toward the future, wellbeing must remain central to innovation and reform (OECD, 2019). This requires intentional leadership, aligned policies, and sustained professional learning. It also requires a shift in mindset that places people at the heart of performance and long-term flourishing above short-term outcomes.

Wellbeing is not a destination but an ongoing commitment. When schools nurture the whole person: mind, body and spirit, they become transformative spaces where learners, educators, and communities thrive. In doing so, education fulfils its deeper purpose: developing resilient, compassionate individuals prepared to contribute to the overall good of their spaces of operation and influence.
 

By Dr. Judith Ogweno (English Language Professional Association of Kenya)

References

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/7-ways-countries-are-transforming-education#:~

https://adriennehornby.com.au/why-wellbeing-the-ripple-effects-of-staff-wellbeing-on-students-culture-and-school-outcomes/