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.’
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 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