16th November, 2024

The DBeV 2024 symposium was hosted by Don Bosco Panjim Salesians Rector and Principal of Higher Secondary School Rev Fr Tamatur Cardozo, Rev Fr Avin Carvalho, Headmaster High school and the other Salesians on 16th November. This day brought together educators from both local and outstation Don Bosco schools across the province. The day commenced with registration, a prayer song, and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by an inspiring welcome address by Rev. Fr. Tamatur Cardozo, our Rector.

The sessions that followed were deeply enriching and motivational. The day opened with a thought-provoking talk by Mr. Anand Pillai, a renowned leadership coach, who emphasized the importance of understanding the circles of life: the circle of concern, circle of influence, and circle of control, offering actionable insights on effective management and leadership to the educators. After a coffee break, the teachers of Don Bosco Panjim infused cultural vibrancy into the event with their performance of the Corridinho dance, aptly titled Dancing Feet.

Fr. Peter Gonsalves captivated the audience with his session on The Don Bosco Way, which explained Don Bosco’s pedagogy with a focus on expressive education. He highlighted the profound influence educators have on children’s lives and explored the three basic needs of students—emotional, rational, and spiritual—encapsulated in Don Bosco’s principles of Rapport, Reason, and Religion.

This was followed by Fr. Gabriel Karunaraj’s insightful session, Planning a Gainful Future, which introduced the Don Bosco Jobs and Career Guidance apps, designed to help students navigate their career paths effectively. Ms. Christina Mascarenhas then delivered her talk, From Teacher to Teacher, providing valuable and motivational insights for educators. Adding further dimension to the symposium was a panel discussion featuring ex-students, former PTA members, and esteemed guests, which brought diverse perspectives to the forefront.

The day concluded with the Provincial, Rev. Fr. Clive Telles who delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking address that resonated deeply with all present. He emphasized the transformative role of educators in shaping not only the intellect but also the character and values of young minds. The vote of thanks was heartfelt and beautifully conveyed the gratitude to the organizers and participants. It acknowledged the hard work and dedication of everyone who contributed to making the symposium a grand success.

The symposium was a day well spent, brimming with valuable information, mentorship, and guidance that left a lasting impact on all attendees. It provided a platform for educators to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from each other, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among Don Bosco teachers across the province. The well-curated sessions not only offered practical strategies for personal and professional growth but also emphasized the core values of Don Bosco’s educational philosophy—empathy, reason, and spirituality. Participants left feeling empowered, equipped with new tools to inspire and guide their students effectively.