THINK EQUAL believes that the earlier we start the process of imparting social and emotional learning (SEL) to children, the greater the impact on lessening disaffection and discriminatory behaviour as the child grows into adolescence and beyond. Therefore, we are supplementing the crucial work being carried out by civil society organizations with youth-focused learning programs, with a fully comprehensive, formal SEL curriculum. And we are, crucially, starting this learning from the age of 3.
The early years children of today will of course become the youth, the parents, the leaders of tomorrow. If humane values are instilled as a foundation in their early years, through practised experiential learning, these children, transitioning into youths, will possess the emotional intelligence, empathy, critical thinking skills, gender sensitization, appreciation and celebration of diversity, self-regulation, and knowledge required to prevent them from causing damage or harm to themselves, their community and the world in which they live.
Neuroscience clearly defines the optimal window of cognitive modifiability (when change of attitudes and behaviour are highly effective due to development and flexibility of thinking) as being between the ages of 3 and 5; whilst there are undoubtedly further opportunities (notably in adolescence) for neuroplasticity of the brain, an early focus on Personal, Social and Emotional Learning provides the crucial preparation and foundation for the children to prosper as youths, and indeed in later life.