ST. TERESA'S INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION - SANTACRUZ: VALUE ORIENTATION

St. TERESA'S INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION - SANTACRUZ

VALUE EDUCATION ORIENTATION PROGRAM

September 30, 2014: Eighty six young students undergoing Teacher's Training at St. Teresa's B.Ed College, Santacruz, spent an entire morning having a Value Education Orientation program conducted by AVEC. Thanks to Sr. Lilian Rosario, Principal of the B.Ed College who made it possible to invite the resource personnel well in advance. After a brief introduction, and an opening prayer by Sr. Lilian, the students were taken through a spiritual moment led by Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes. The prayer song, 'Sarveshaam Swastir Bhavatu' and a fantasy meditation enabled the students to focus on the value of nourishing the spiritual dimension of one's personal life.

 Fr. Glenn Lowe then took over the next few hours. He invited the young teachers to challenge themselves with a greater preparedness to become more than mere 'dispensers of knowledge' to becoming 'beacons of Value promotion'. The entire first session focused on the need to make appropriate 'qualitative changes' rather than spending time on 'quantitative changes'. The many examples given: Ms. Kia Scherr, Ms. Malala Yousafzai, Mrs. Immaculee Ilibagiza, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi were inspiring too. The session focused on the need to stretch beyond the 'mere ordinary and littleness' and to launch into the realm of 'greatness'. Your students are entitled to a 'great teacher', not a 'little one'!

 The second session focused on how to make 'qualitative changes' in the lives of their students. The starting point comes on the power of one's WORD. "Your lifestyle is expressed through your word Change your 'word' and transform your 'world'.  This was very clearly brought out through the poem, 'Youth: A Lost Generation" by Jonathan Reid. The 'square puzzle' was another insightful exercise to challenge the students to have the courage to break old mind sets and to seek relevant solutions. 

The final part of the session, focused on aligning one's personal values with that of the institutional's values. Many of the young student-teachers shared their own personal experiences and even their own options to make qualitative changes. The entire day was an opportunity to make the necessary shifts in one's lifestyle, mindset and value system. The session included a lot of personal testimonies, deep insights, inspiring video clips, and an interesting PowerPoint presentation on the world and attitudes of the young people today.

 At the end of the session, Ms. Juveria Ghare proposed the Vote of thanks.

A number of students came forward to write their comments in the AVEC appreciation log book:

""Father, it was really an eye-opener and heart touching session. It would definitely make a difference in my teaching and as a whole to the society. Thanks for all your efforts" - Farhat Sayed

 "It was an experience listening to you once again. We appreciate your efforts to come and try to make a change in our mindsets. Thank you. Hoping to have you visit our college again" -  Priyanka Martis

 "It was an inspiring session you have given us. A dynamic and energetic person of God who opened our eyes as teachers to both intellectually as well as in character. Thank you Fr and God bless you" -  Sr. Betty FMA

 "Your session was very inspiring and an eye opener for all of us. It was great to have such a wonderful session even before our teaching has started" -  Fleur DSilva

 "It was an awesome session especially enabling each of us to think differently. Personally helped me in my way of thinking.  Thanks... for making a difference in my life" -  Sharon Parakal

 "I really enjoyed the session, especially the real life experiences that you shared with us. If ever in life, I come across students who appreciate and love me, I shall give your session all the credits! Thank you immensely" -  Lizann Lobo

 "I really enjoyed the workshop that you gave and I will always remember the video that you showed and I hope to become a teacher who makes qualitative changes in the lives of our students. Thank you again and God bless" -  Juveria Ghare

Congratulations to all the students and the management for making the time and giving us the opportunity to speak to your students. You well all so very cooperative and participate all through. Be blessed and thanks once again. May God bless you all as you prepare yourself to be effective and great educators of the young in your care.