This post mentions two examples of youth circles, one in Nepal, and the other in Canada.
Student circles enable students to find their voices and become outstanding adults.
Student circles offer our youth many benefits.
WHAT ARE STUDENT CIRCLES?
Student circles are groups of youth who meet regularly to identify, discuss and solve problems that they are facing.
NEPAL – STUDENT QUALITY CIRCLES:
In Nepal they implemented Student Quality Circles (SQC) in 1999.
A Student Quality Circle has 5-10volunteer students.
They meet frequently during school hours.
They discuss and solve the problems that they face at school or at home.
They use a scientific method.
One institution may have severalcircles at one time.
The members of a SQC generally meet with an agenda, on a weekly basis.
Here are three elements of the agenda.
Members of a circle identify their problems and any challenges to be met.
The circle then analyzes the challenge in detail.
The circle evaluates and solves the problem.
Student Quality Circles in Nepal were derived from quality circles of industrial workers in Japan. They were popular during the 1980’s.
Some other countries using SQC are Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, UK and the USA.
In Nepal, Professor Dinesh P. Chapagain has been promoting the Student Quality Circiles through QUEST-Nepal since 1999.
He has written a book entitled “A Guide Book on Students’ Quality Circles: An Approach to prepare Total Quality People.” This book is considered a standard guide to promote SQC’s in academia.
You can find out more about Professor Dinesh P. Chapagain and his work in Nepal at
An example in Canada is at the Upper Canada District School Board in Ontario. They integrated restorative practices based on the practices of the indigenous First Nations people of Canada.
Every day, a circle starts and ends the program.
The morning circle is designed to bring students into a sense of community.
The circle process is led by a student who oversees the process for the day.
Each of the other students handles a section of the group process such as:.
Check-in: To reconnect with each student.
Current Events: Keeping in touch with the world.
Weather: Awareness of our natural environment.
Joke of the Day: Developing the resiliency skill of humour.
Creative Thinking: A problem-solving task.
Quote of the Day: Sharing responses to a quote given to them the previous day.
Goals: Reflecting on their personal goals set for the day or week.
Business: Managing classroom behavior.
End-of-Day Wrap Up: Evaluating the progress made throughout the day;.
These circles promote such values as:
Fairness;
Respect;
Responsibility;
Perseverance;
Caring;
Dignity;
Courage;
Honesty;
Generosity;
Trust;
Sharing;
Inclusive;
Empathy; and
Resilience.
Growth in experiencing, understanding and applying circle values supports growth towards success as a student and as a community member.
Self-confidence: by delivering positive results even in difficult situations.
Self-discipline: by participating regularly for discussions and analysis. Interpersonal relations: by meeting and interacting with other people.
Empathy: by listening to others and giving due importance to the views and opinions of others.
Social responsibility: by exploring the problem and becoming aware other’s sensitivities and well-being.
Time management skills: by adhering to a time limited agenda.
Scientific and analytical skills: by data collection and analyzing the problems.
Communication and presentation skills: by developing confidence in sharing their views and opinions.
Creativity and lateral thinking habits: by participating actively in several brainstorming sessions.
Teamwork: by experiencing the synergies created by working in teams. Increased knowledge: by acquiring broad and in-depth knowledge of life and the world.
Leadership: by taking charge and solving problems. Youth circles help the development of youth so that they become good citizens in the 21st century.
Youth circles enable us to listen to them and empower them to become contributing members of their societies and the world.
What are your thoughts and comments about youth circles and helping youth find their voices.
Please forward them, please see the “How Can You Help?” section below.
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A PARENT’S GUIDE:
There is a guide available which assists parents and others working with youth.
The guide enables a person to be proactive in the success of a child’s future.
It contains activities to assist youth to gain critical soft skills.
They will become more resourceful and independent when they practice and gain these skills.
