WHY SKILL DEVELOPMENT IS NO LONGER OPTIONAL FOR OUR STUDENTS IN KERALA

WHY SKILL DEVELOPMENT IS NO LONGER OPTIONAL FOR OUR STUDENTS
A Personal Note from Jamal Shareef, Founder Director, De Beacon
For more than 20 years, I have worked voluntarily among students, parents, and communities across Kozhikode (Calicut), Koduvally, and nearby areas of Kerala apart from my Profession as an IT Specialist in different corporate companies .
In these two decades, I have seen a countless number of students transforming into contributors and stars in our local community —from curious little learners to young adults stepping into the real world.
And if there is one thing I have learned for sure, it is this:
Marks alone do not decide a child’s future anymore. Skills do.
That realization is what led us to create VibeOn and focus deeply on total student development.
WHAT 20 YEARS WITH STUDENTS HAS TAUGHT ME
When I started my journey in education and social development, the system was simple:
Study well, Score high, Get a good job , and in fact that’s what I did during my education till my post graduation in Management…
But today, the world has changed completely.
Now our children are growing up in a world of Artificial Intelligence, social media, global competition, rapid career changes, and constant pressure.
I have met many students who were brilliant on paper but struggled in life because of low confidence, fear of speaking, emotional stress, and lack of clarity.
WHY SCHOOLS CANNOT DO EVERYTHING
Our schools are doing great work. Teachers work hard and institutions try their best.
But due to syllabus pressure and exams, schools often cannot focus deeply on personality development, emotional intelligence, leadership, creativity, and life skills.
That gap is where students start losing confidence.
THE BIRTH OF A HOLISTIC APPROACH
Through years of NGO work and student programs, we developed a holistic learning approach focused on building strong minds, confident personalities, and emotionally balanced students.
WHAT REAL STUDENT DEVELOPMENT MEANS
1. Emotional and Social Strength
Students learn to handle stress, emotions, and relationships.
2. Creativity and Problem Solving
We encourage independent thinking and innovation. Appreciate and celebrate small developments or achievements in the students shall bring big changes
3. Personality and Communication
We focus on confidence, leadership, and public speaking.
4. Discovering Individual Strengths
Every child is unique. We help uncover their talents.
WHY PROGRAMS LIKE VIBEON ARE MANDATORY TODAY
Today’s students face academic overload, digital addiction, career confusion, and mental pressure.
Total development programs help by building confidence, reducing stress, improving focus, and preparing for life challenges.
OUR EXPERIENCE IN CALICUT AND KODUVALY
We have witnessed remarkable transformations in students from this region, from shy learners to confident leaders.
FROM ORDINARY TO EXTRAORDINARY
Every child is extraordinary with the right environment, mentorship, and encouragement.
A MESSAGE TO PARENTS
Your child’s future depends not only on marks but on mindset. Invest in confidence, communication, and emotional strength.
LOOKING AHEAD
At De Beacon, our mission is to nurture strong, responsible, and future-ready individuals.
FINAL THOUGHTS
After 20+ years in this field, I can confidently say:
Skill development is no longer optional. It is mandatory.
For success. For happiness. For life.
— Jamal Shareef
Founder Director, De Beacon