The need for human values in education
The issue of moral values currently occupies centre stage and there is widespread concern about the attitudes, values and beliefs of some young people.
In recent years, there have been more and more incidents of violent crime and drug abuse. In particular, the increase in the number of children who kill, has saddened and appalled us as a society.
Various reasons are offered for today's so-called decline in moral standards. Many believe that a major way to address this dilemma is for children to be taught more effectively the difference between right and wrong, especially in terms of how to respect other people and their property.
Much research shows that education is enhanced when it is values-based and is more beneficial when it takes place in a co-operative, loving, truthful, respectful and caring environment, where team spirit, a sense of community, trust and self-esteem abound.
A calm and co-operative atmosphere in the classroom enables children to develop self-reliance, self-respect, self-discipline, self-esteem and the ability to make good choices, which in turn, lead to living effectively and harmoniously with others.
The Human Values Foundation's programmes provide a framework for children’s choices and are instrumental in embedding positive, generally acceptable values in our schools in an engaging way. They have already yielded major improvements in the quality of thousands of lives of the children in our society. Our membership includes teachers and other professional people, who have successfully introduced and tested our programmes in schools.
Praised by inspectors and advisers, these proven, ready-to-go courses for primary and secondary pupils have now been adopted by hundreds of schools in the UK and many others throughout the world.