Who We Are | ENSEL

European Network for Social-Emotional Learning and Well-Being

Empowering Lives Through Social-Emotional Learning

In today's fast-paced world, social and emotional competencies are no longer optional—they're essential. Whether it's navigating relationships, managing stress, or fostering meaningful connections, these skills shape how we interact with ourselves and others. At ENSEL, we believe in nurturing these vital life skills to create healthier individuals, stronger communities, and a brighter future.

Our Vision & Mission

At ENSEL, our vision is simple yet profound: a world where every individual has the tools they need to thrive socially, emotionally, and holistically.

We aim to make social and emotional learning (SEL) an integral part of education systems across Europe. By empowering educators, students, families, and communities, we strive to build environments that foster resilience, empathy, and well-being.

Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters:

For Students : SEL helps children develop self-awareness, communication skills, and the ability to manage emotions—crucial for personal growth and academic success.
For Educators : Teachers gain the resources and support needed to cultivate safe, inclusive classrooms where all learners can flourish.
For Communities : When everyone works together, SEL creates ripple effects of understanding, collaboration, and mutual respect.

Life Skills encompass both intrapersonal qualities like self-awareness, self-control, and self-esteem, as well as interpersonal abilities such as effective communication, teamwork, empathy, and trust. Together, these skills form the foundation for lifelong learning and fulfillment.

The Power of Education

Education isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about transforming lives. Active and experiential learning methods enable students to engage deeply with concepts, making them more likely to apply what they’ve learned in real-world situations.

But how does this happen?

Through schools that prioritize holistic development over rote memorization.
With teachers who act as facilitators rather than mere instructors.
By involving parents, caregivers, and local communities in creating supportive ecosystems for growth.

At ENSEL, we ask critical questions:

What makes a good school environment?
How can SEL be integrated into daily lessons?
How do we involve the broader community in this journey?

Our answers lie in collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practices.

The Holistic Connection Between Well-Being and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

From a holistic perspective, well-being encompasses the integration of physical, emotional, mental, social, and even spiritual dimensions of life. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) serves as the cornerstone for this integrative approach, addressing not just one aspect of human experience but weaving together all facets of personal development. By fostering self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication, SEL empowers individuals to understand and manage their emotions, build strong relationships, and make responsible decisions—key components that directly contribute to overall well-being.

Moreover, SEL aligns with a holistic view by recognizing the interconnectedness of individuals within their environments, including families, schools, communities, and society at large. It promotes harmony between personal growth and collective well-being, encouraging individuals to thrive while also contributing positively to their surroundings. This holistic approach ensures that education is not confined to academic success but extends to nurturing the whole person—mind, body, heart, and spirit—ultimately creating balanced, resilient, and fulfilled individuals who can navigate life's complexities with confidence and compassion. Through SEL, we foster a truly integrated vision of well-being that benefits both the individual and the community.

Who We Are:The ENSEL Story

ENSEL was born out of a shared commitment to advancing social-emotional learning across Europe. In 2019, during the "REFLECT" project funded by the European Commission's ERASMUS+ program, a group of passionate organizations came together to envision a network dedicated to SEL. This vision gained momentum through partnerships with projects like COMPUSEL ("Computational Thinking in Enhancing Primary Students’ Social-Emotional Learning Skills") and presentations at key conferences like ENSA.
By November 2022, in Venice at the Annual General Assembly of ENSA, the ENSEL Network officially took shape, uniting universities, schools, municipalities, NGOs, and other stakeholders under one umbrella. Our mission is clear: to provide a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and driving collective action toward a common goal.

What We Do: Objectives and Activities

Main Objectives

Coordinate Actions Across Europe : Foster collaboration between institutions, organizations, and policymakers to promote SEL on a continental scale.
Advocate for Policy Change : Campaign for a unified European strategy for life skills, influencing national and EU-level policies to integrate SEL into formal and informal education.
Share Good Practices : Collect, curate, and disseminate successful SEL initiatives, providing practical tools and training for professionals in the field.
Raise Awareness : Educate the public, empower young people, and equip parents, teachers, and stakeholders with the knowledge and resources to implement SEL effectively.

Key Activities

Hosting workshops, webinars, and conferences to connect practitioners and thought leaders.
Developing toolkits, guides, and digital resources tailored to different audiences.
Facilitating peer-to-peer learning networks among schools and communities.
Conducting research to inform policy decisions and improve outcomes.

Join Us: Be Part of the Movement

Whether you’re an educator, parent, policymaker, or simply someone who cares about building a better tomorrow, ENSEL invites you to join us. Together, we can create spaces where every child feels seen, heard, and valued—and where every adult thrives as a role model for positive change.

Let’s work hand-in-hand to ensure that social-emotional learning becomes a cornerstone of education and society. Because when we invest in people, we invest in a brighter future for all.

Stay connected with ENSEL for updates, events, and opportunities to contribute to this transformative movement!