CBSE, AIIMS Launch Phase II of Project MATE in Delhi-NCR Schools
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have launched the second phase of Project MATE, which will take place in over 60 schools across Delhi-NCR. This initiative aims to support adolescent mental well-being through structured, school-based interventions.
Project MATE, standing for Mind Activation Through Education, has been developed by the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS New Delhi. The program targets middle-school students by promoting emotional, social, and psychological well-being alongside academic development. The goal is to create a supportive school environment where students can gain a better understanding of their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
The second phase was launched during the MATE Counsellors’ Conclave, organized by CBSE in collaboration with AIIMS at the India Habitat Centre. The event brought together principals, counselors, and school representatives from Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and other participating regions.
During the conclave, Prof. Radhika Tandon, the Dean of Research at AIIMS New Delhi, emphasized the importance of collective stakeholder participation for the success of the pilot phase. Prof. Nand Kumar from the Department of Psychiatry noted that valuable lessons learned during the pilot phase contributed to improvements and refinements for the second phase of the program.
Schools such as Suncity School, KR Mangalam World School, Salwan Public School, and The Knowledge Habitat School shared their experiences implementing the initiative during the pilot stage. A special segment titled “Stories of Strength” highlighted innovative well-being practices adopted by pilot schools through poster presentations. Top-performing schools were recognized, and counselors who demonstrated a strong understanding of the MATE framework were honored as Master Trainers. These Master Trainers will mentor schools and support implementation in the next phase.
As part of Phase II, counselors from participating schools will undergo a five-day intensive capacity-building program at AIIMS New Delhi from May 11 to 15. The MATE modules will be introduced for students in Classes 6 to 8 starting in July 2026. The program will also include peer-support activities, parent workshops, and home-school engagement initiatives, further strengthening the support network for adolescent well-being in schools.
