Collector calls for life skills integration in school curriculum
District Collector N. Prabhakar Reddy on Thursday called for the integration of life skills training with academic learning, stressing that schools must focus on the overall development of students beyond textbooks.
Chairing a review meeting with Mandal Education Officers and senior officials at the Collectorate, he said teachers should create a supportive, family-like environment in schools and move away from a routine duty-based approach, treating their role as a long-term commitment to student development.
The Collector described schools as “responsibility spaces” for teachers and stressed a holistic approach to shaping well-rounded individuals.
He suggested introducing structured activities to teach life skills such as swimming, cycling, knot-tying, cooking and basic self-defence. He also recommended physical exercises including skipping, planks, hanging and Surya Namaskar to improve fitness and mental health.
Reddy emphasised building confidence, leadership and responsibility among students, along with awareness on hygiene, civic sense, environmental protection and nutrition. Teachers were asked to sensitise students on the harmful effects of tobacco and unhealthy habits. He also said education is only one part of life, not life itself.
The Collector proposed strengthening the “Mustabu” programme on cleanliness and discipline through peer-based monitoring of hygiene practices like nail trimming and personal cleanliness to promote accountability and leadership.
He directed officials to prepare an action plan for implementation from the next academic year and suggested a pilot rollout in selected schools with parental consent before scaling up.
He said student development requires joint effort from teachers, parents and society.
At the meeting’s conclusion, officials felicitated the Collector with a shawl and bouquet for his role as mentor for the state-level “Mustabu” programme.
District Education Officer P. Brahmaji Rao and Mandal Education Officers attended the meeting.