In a major step towards promoting holistic education, UNESCO and the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Bhubaneswar — a constituent unit of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) — have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate health and well-being into pre-service teacher education programmes. The MoU was signed at the UNESCO Office in New Delhi, marking a new chapter in India’s efforts to build a more inclusive and wellness-focused education system.

I am writing about this development because it highlights a crucial shift in the way teacher education is being approached in India. For decades, our teacher training programmes have focused primarily on pedagogy, curriculum, and subject mastery, while often overlooking the physical, emotional, and social well-being of both students and educators. By embedding health and well-being into teacher preparation, this initiative recognises that teachers are not just academic guides—they are role models who shape young minds and behaviours. This move is particularly important in today’s times when stress, anxiety, and lifestyle-related challenges among school children are on the rise. The partnership between UNESCO and NCERT is a timely step to equip future teachers with the understanding and skills needed to nurture balanced, emotionally strong, and resilient students.

The Objective of the MoU

The MoU aims to integrate the concept of health and well-being into pre-service teacher education curricula in India. This collaboration will help in developing new training modules, research frameworks, and practical classroom approaches that connect education with physical and mental health.

Under this partnership, RIE Bhubaneswar will work closely with UNESCO to design learning resources and modules for Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and Diploma in Education (D.El.Ed.) programmes. These resources will include components on emotional literacy, nutrition, mindfulness, gender sensitivity, and inclusive health education.

Why Health and Well-being Matter in Education

The focus on health and well-being in education is not new but often remains on the periphery of formal schooling. According to UNESCO, a healthy student learns better, participates actively, and develops stronger social connections. Similarly, teachers who are trained to identify and address health and emotional challenges among students can create safer, more empathetic learning environments.

This MoU supports the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises holistic development and the integration of mental and physical health into the school curriculum. It also aligns with UNESCO’s Global Framework on Comprehensive School Health and Well-being, which advocates for embedding wellness practices across all levels of education.

Areas of Collaboration

The collaboration between UNESCO and RIE Bhubaneswar will focus on:

• Developing a teacher education framework that includes health and well-being as a core competency.
• Conducting capacity-building workshops for teacher educators and administrators.
• Integrating research and case studies from Indian schools to understand practical challenges.
• Designing student-teacher engagement tools that promote emotional resilience and empathy.
• Encouraging the use of community-based practices to address local health needs through schools.

Expert Insights and Future Impact

Speaking at the signing event, representatives from both organisations underlined the urgent need for a paradigm shift in education. They highlighted that in a post-pandemic world, schools are no longer just centres for academic learning but safe spaces that must prioritise emotional and social well-being.

Experts believe that the integration of health and wellness into teacher training will create ripple effects across the education system. Future teachers trained under this model will be more sensitive to issues like bullying, body image, nutrition, and mental health, and will be better equipped to guide students through these challenges.

The Road Ahead

The partnership between UNESCO and RIE Bhubaneswar is set to begin with pilot programmes in selected teacher education institutions. Based on feedback and outcomes, the model will later be scaled up across NCERT’s network of Regional Institutes of Education and possibly extended to state-level teacher training centres.

The MoU also opens doors for future collaborations in research, policy advocacy, and international knowledge exchange, ensuring that India’s approach to teacher education remains aligned with global standards of inclusive and holistic learning.