South Mumbai Deanery: AVEC Seminar

August 25, 2010: Value Education Coordinators' Meeting - South Mumbai Deanery

St. Anne's High School, Fort, today hosted the seventh Deanery level Value Education Coordinators' Meeting that was organised by AVEC. Forty two teachers from twenty three schools participated in the event. Sad to say, five schools failed to turn up in spite of the constant reminders. At the very outset, after a beautiful prayer song, Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes welcomed the participants and in a special way invited Sr. Prudence to say a few words. On behalf of AVEC, Michelle D'Souza presented a small token of appreciation to Sr. Prudence for permitting us to use the school premises and facilities for the entire program.

Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes then started of the session by enlightening the Value Education Coordinators of the various responsibilities entrusted to AVEC. Over the last year, AVEC had many many inroads into the schools affiliated to the ABE, especially in the area of Value Education. He also informed the participants that three dozen Value Education posters were available on sale.

In a very interactive session, Sany Joseph, a Business Strategist from ASIA BOOK HOUSE then presented a talk on the importance of Value Education in our schools . She spoke on 'Roadmaps for Good Living', their best selling series, as a way in which to promote Value Education in the schools.

During a short break, teachers were able to interact with the facilitators and the other participants. Refreshing snack were also served. After the break, Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb, invited the teachers to be a salesperson in their own lives. Fr. Glenn started of by saying, "I am here today to sell you to you." When we value ourselves as persons first, we will value others as persons too. Through various exercises and insights, coupled with humor and reflective moments, all the participants made a deeper journey into their lives and profession.

"It was worth it... it was different from all the previous seminars I ever attended," commented a teacher. "At the end of it, there was a new discovery. I feel so different now. I am truly re-born!", said another. Many schools took to opportunity to buy a set of Value Education Posters. A group snap with beaming faces brought the seminar to a close. All the coordinators were invited to be a ROOT and a ROUTE to make Value Education in our schools a possibility.