About SEL @ Dignity

Social and emotional learning (SEL) has always formed a key component of the education program and holistic approach at Dignity. 

Prior to 2021, this was carried out through the Montessori approach adopted for primary and pre-primary children, and an extensive number of character development programs and services provided for students of all ages. Informally, SEL had been incorporated into out-of-school learning experiences like Travel and Learn Program, sports and peace education, field trips and camping. It was also delivered more explicitly through psychosocial education from the Mental Health department. 

In January 2021, Dignity embarked on the Strengthening Capacity for Transformative Education project, which aimed to improve Dignity’s existing capacity to provide transformative and holistic education to the poor, through incorporating formalised Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Life Skills Education into the existing education programs.

All year levels at Dignity thus officially embedded SEL as part of their formal curriculum, with designated lesson allocations in the timetables — 45 minutes per week at the primary level and 90 minutes per week at the secondary level.

• The Lower, Middle, Upper Primary and Lower Secondary departments began using the evidence-based Second Step program which has been vetted and reviewed by CASEL.

• In the Middle and Upper Secondary departments, Habitudes and Facing History and Ourselves served as the foundations for a self-curated SEL curriculum. 

Additionally, an SEL team was formed in June 2021 to provide direction and coordination for schoolwide implementation of SEL initiatives, including: 

• A structured plan of SEL workshops and student programs across all year levels

• High-quality, contextually relevant and sustainable teacher training curriculum for SEL

• Support systems to create opportunities for teachers' self-reflection and continuous improvement, including professional learning communities (PLCs) and coaching

• Community workshops to strengthen home-school partnership as well as equip parents and caregivers to support SEL growth and development in the home setting

In October 2021, an SEL Committee was elected with representatives from eight Education departments: Preschool, Lower Primary, Middle Primary, Upper Primary, Lower Secondary, Middle Secondary, Upper Secondary, and Dignity College.

To date, SEL has become a household name within the Dignity community, and the work continues to widen the reach of SEL throughout the Dignity community.

If you have any questions about SEL @ Dignity, please direct them to our SEL Program Coordinator at joycelyn@dignityforchildren.org.