AVEC Value Education Coordinators Forum 2014

MATUNGA-MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014: 

The Archdiocesan Value Education Centre (AVEC) organized a seminar for teachers which was open to Catholic as well as non-Catholic schools and institutions on, September 18, 2014 at Don Bosco International School (DBIS), Matunga. The Seminar began with Mr. Rochwyn Fenandes welcoming the teachers of the various schools and institutions. Thereafter Sr. Vera Almeida, led the group into a moment of prayerful reflection through a prayer service. The Assembly was then addressed by Bishop Agnelo Gracias, the Auxillary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mumbai. 

 Fr. Ian Doulton the keynote speaker for the seminar then spoke to the teachers on ‘Insights into Don Bosco’s Pedagogy for today.’ He beautifully presented the values of Don Bosco’s Preventive System and its relevance in the 21st Century. He mentioned three types of pedagogies that would enhance the quality of relationship between adults and youth; Pedagogy of Trust, Pedagogy of Hope and Pedagogy of Alliance

 After a short tea break the group reassembled for the second part of the seminar which was the ‘Presentations and Panel discussion.’ The Chairperson for the same was Fr. Savio Silveira, the Director of the DBIS, Matunga. Six speakers were invited to share their views on the theme ‘VALUE EDUCATION: CORE AND FOUNDATION OF EDUCATION.’ The first speaker, Mr. Paul Machado, the Principal of Campion school, Cooperage spoke on ‘Management fostering value based Environments in schools.’

 The second speaker, Sr. Romana, the Principal of St. Anne’s Dabul spoke about ‘Schools as Sacred ground for Religious Harmony.’ The next speaker was Fr. Godfrey D’sa, the Principal of St. Joseph school Wadala, who focussed his talk on ‘Schools as Caring Environs for Mental health of students.’ 

 After which Fr. Ryan Alex, the Director of Diocesan Pastoral centre, Bandra spoke on ‘Forming students to be responsible youth in the society.’ Mr. Martin D’souza, the Director of Light Infotainment, shared his views on ‘Degrading Values in society and parental concerns.’ The final speaker for the seminar was Ms. Angel Abraham who spoke on ‘Treasuring Values caught in my school Days.’ The floor was then open for discussion. A lot of educators asked questions, clarified their doubts, gave suggestions, shared their experiences and also brought out many important aspects concerning value education

 The speakers were then awarded trophies of appreciation. Twenty-six schools participated and won in the AVEC competitions for the academic year 2013-14 and were awarded trophies and certificates for the same. The winning schools in the AVEC competitions for the present academic year were also awarded certificates. The seminar came to an end with the AVEC team being felicitated for their work and then, the concluding words by Fr. Glenn Lowe. After which the vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Joan Dias of St. Mary ICSE, Mazagaon.  

"This seminar was fruitful and the inputs were practical and useful. The panel was thoughtfully chosen from different categories. Thank you" -  Josephine LaRive and Mayfrid de Santa Maria, St. Anne's High School - Borivili

"This seminar was very informative. Helped us to look inside ourself. Hope to use all this in effective teaching" - Fr. Agnel Multipurpose School & Jr. College, Vashi

"A fantastic session. The need of the hour!" - Holy Family High school - Prestom Sagar

"A very good eye opener about values. It was inspiring, informative and motivating. Hope to inculcate these values in our day to day life and make our teaching effective" - Lourdes High School - Kalyan