Inside ISE’s Child Counselling and Guidance Centre Program
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tamil Nadu’s children returned to school carrying more than just their backpacks. They returned with emotional wounds, stress, anxiety, and uncertainties that traditional education systems were not fully equipped to handle. Recognizing this silent crisis, the Institute of Social Education (ISE) took a decisive step by establishing the Child Counselling and Guidance Centre—a compassionate, ground-level initiative focused on healing and empowering young minds.
Why This Program Matters
Over the past few years, ISE observed a troubling rise in issues such as:
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Mental stress and anxiety among schoolchildren
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Behavioral challenges affecting learning and peer relationships
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Academic decline and increased dropout rates
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Lack of teacher preparedness in handling emotional or behavioral concerns
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A growing disconnect between students, teachers, and the learning environment
These challenges were compounded by the pandemic, which disrupted learning, strained families, and widened educational inequalities. Teachers too faced burnout, struggling with limited training and resources to support children’s emotional health.
ISE saw the need for an urgent, structured response—one that focused not only on academics, but on the child’s overall well-being.
What ISE Is Doing
To address these pressing concerns, ISE launched the Child Counselling and Guidance Centre as a pilot initiative across 10 districts of Tamil Nadu, including: Chennai, Chengalpattu, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Ariyalur, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore, Ranipet, and Kallakurichi.
This program aims to provide:
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Professional counselling support for children
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Awareness and sensitization among teachers and parents
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Tools and techniques to manage behavior and stress in school settings
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A supportive ecosystem that prioritizes emotional safety and mental health
The program brings child psychology into classrooms, creating space for children to feel heard, respected, and supported.
Strategic Partnership with Samagra Shiksha
A major boost to the initiative came on September 2, 2022, when an MoU was signed between ISE and the State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, Tamil Nadu. This partnership enabled ISE to implement a comprehensive school-based mental health and wellbeing program with support at the state level.
The goal: to make child-friendly schools a reality across Tamil Nadu, where students are not just educated, but nurtured—emotionally, socially, and psychologically.
The Long-Term Vision
The Child Counselling and Guidance Centre is more than a project—it’s a movement toward transforming the educational experience. ISE envisions schools where:
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Teachers are equipped to support every child
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Mental health is a core part of learning
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Students thrive not just academically, but emotionally
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Communities understand and advocate for children’s well-being
This program is a critical step in creating schools that care—where every child is seen, heard, and valued.
Looking Ahead
As the pilot program continues across Tamil Nadu, ISE is committed to learning, adapting, and expanding this vital work. The hope is not only to improve academic outcomes but to build a generation of resilient, emotionally healthy children who grow into confident, compassionate citizens.
Together—with support from educators, families, and changemakers—we can create safe, supportive spaces for every child to grow and thrive.