Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 28: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi, has appreciated the ‘Beacon Buddies’ project by Expert Pre-University College, Valachil, aimed at strengthening peer counselling, mental wellness, and child rights awareness among students.
In an official letter dated November 26, Dr Prabhat K Mishra, professor, Department of Educational Psychology and Foundations of Education, NCERT, commented the initiative for its innovative approach, well-designed structure, and the successful pilot implementation at the institution. The council noted that the programme reflects a strong understanding of the psychosocial needs of adolescents and aligns with the objectives of the national Manodarpan mental health initiative.
NCERT further observed that the model’s community-based and student-driven approach may be best expanded through State Education Departments, SCERTs, and Child Rights Commissions, where it can be integrated effectively at the grassroots level.
What makes Beacon Buddies stand out is its student-driven approach and its unique specialty as a zero-cost, high-impact, innovative project for schools and colleges. Trained peer volunteers called ‘Buddies’ act as the first line of emotional support on campus. They identify students struggling silently, listen with compassion, and, when needed, connect them with professional counsellors for deeper help.
Prof Narendra L Nayak, chairman Expert Group of Institutions expressed his willingness to support the State Government to spread the mission of mental wellness among adolescence through the implementation of ‘Beacon Buddies’, saying, true to its name, Beacon Buddies serves as a light of hope, healing, and happiness, empowering students to extend mental first aid to their peers in distress. The programme aims to create a culture of empathy, listening, and mutual support among students, by fellow students themselves.
Dr N K Vijayan Karippal, the strategist and chief mentor of ‘Beacon Buddies’ concept, and the principal of Expert PU College, Valachil, Mangaluru said, “When a student feels unseen or unheard, academic achievement becomes secondary to survival. Recognizing this truth, Beacon Buddies strives to make every student feel valued, supported, and understood”. He also expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying that the appreciation from NCERT will encourage the institution to work towards scaling the initiative across Karnataka in collaboration with statelevel bodies.