CONVENT OF JESUS AND MARY, KHARGAR: TEACHERS' VALUE ORIENTATION PROGRAM

CONVENT OF JESUS AND MARY - KHARGAR: TEACHERS' ORIENTATION PROGRAM

JUNE 13, 2013: The session today was actually booked a year ago. Thanks to the farsightedness of Sr. Antoinette, Principal of Convent of Jesus and Mary High School - Khargar, that forty teachers were able to attend a full day's Orientation program conducted by AVEC. The session began with a few words of welcome by the Principal, followed by an interfaith Prayer song 'Sarvesham Swastir Bhavatu' that invoked God's blessings for peace, health and happiness for all.

 Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes, AVEC Project coordinator, welcomed the teachers to the Orientation Program and invited them all to a few brief moments of peace and calm through a fantasy meditation. Rhythmic breathing enhanced the awareness of the importance of one's breath and the gift of life that needs to be a significant contribution to all. The annual report of the AVEC for the scholastic year 2012-13 was then presented.He then introduced Fr. Glenford Lowe to the participants and presented the theme ' Management By Values' (MBV). 

 Fr. Glenford Lowe, then began the session with an invitation to a shift in perception. "When you see differently, you act differently", he said. A brief presentation of the world of the young and their understanding of Time, Self, Others, Institution, Religion and Family were also touched upon. It was an eye-opener to many. Once we are aware of the pain points of the young, then our response to them will also be compassionate, relevant and meaningful. If Value education is an 'Education to Becoming', then, we need to accompany them to live a meaningful and value based life.

The second part of the session focused on the power of WORDS and the Value of WORDS. Words are an expression of our lifestyle and values help us to make choices that are meaningful, and consistent. The teaches had an opportunity to look at their own personal Values and the institutional values and to align the two. The greater one aligns  personal and institutional values,  the level of performance also increases and one become more effective.

In the final session, the teachers were invited to plot their Value map based on the Brain Hall-Benjamin Tonna 'Value map'. It was insightful to see how 'Value Education to Becoming' could be a whole life time process and not limited to just a short half hour period on the school schedule. Through the use of many moments of interaction, a powerful PowerPoint Presentation and the use of everyday examples, the teachers were able to see themselves better and understand their role as 'Significant Value Guru's' in the lives of the young.

 On behalf of the teachers, Ms. Sheeba Varghese proposed the vote of thanks.
The following comments were included in the AVEC log book:
"It was an interesting session, executed and planned very well. Thanks" -  Filomena Rodrigues

 "It was quite an interesting session, it has made us more enlightened" - Minani Kochar

God bless you all as you begin your new scholastic year 2013-14.