by Veera Rodrigues for BIS Mumbai

In a significant event marking the Silver Jubilee Celebration of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Naigaon, Palghar District, Maharashtra, India, the institution, under the Salesian Province of Bombay, hosted a Symposium for Educators on October 5, 2024. One hundred and fifty participants from various educational boards and NGOs attended the conference. The symposium centered on the Salesian Preventive System, emphasizing innovative teaching, stress management, mental health, climate change and Artificial Intelligence Generative AI. 

The day began with a prayer dance, followed by a welcome address by Fr. Dominic Martis, Rector of Don Bosco Naigaon, who reaffirmed the institution's commitment to nurturing the dreams of both students and educators.

Mr. Conrad Saldanha, former Vice-President of Training and Market Research at The Times of India and former Principal Advisor at Don Bosco Centre for Learning, Kurla, Mumbai, delivered the key note address on the theme Don Bosco: On Education. He addressed the present scenarios and challenges in education. He emphasized the need to prepare students for a future shaped by rapid technological advancements and outlined emerging jobs by 2030, such as Organ Creator and Earthquake Forecaster. He stressed the importance of teaching human-centered skills like digital citizenship, emotional intelligence, and values-based learning. He pointed out that while AI can handle technical tasks, it lacks a humanistic core, making these human skills essential for future success. Automated tools incorporate the values of the creators and hence we need to bring human values in AI.                                                                              

Dr. Fr. Peter Gonsalves, PhD in Communications and professor of Media Education and Peace Communication at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, discussed Don Bosco’s Way of education, emphasizing the goal of guiding students towards a happy and fulfilling life. He highlighted Don Bosco’s Preventive System, which centers on Rapport, Reason, and Religion, to guide educators in fostering strong relationships and spiritual growth. Highlighting Albert Einstein’s quote, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid," he urged educators the need to recognize each student's unique strengths and capacities.

Ms Ritu Advani, Director at QuGates Technologies, spoke on the topic ‘Reskilling in the age of AI’. She highlighted the widening education-industry gap, where traditional methods leave students unprepared for modern workplace challenges such as stress and inadequate coping skills. She emphasized the importance of learning outcomes based on real-life applications, advocating for skills that are directly applicable in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

Dr. Mrs. Mabel Pimenta, PhD in Education, conducted a session on Teaching and Learning and Inclusive Education. She introduced interactive teaching techniques such as Think-Pair-Share, Jigsaw, Team-Pair-Solo, Circle the Sage, and Gallery Walk. The session promoted active group participation among educators and emphasized the importance of inclusive education. It was a highly interactive and engaging session.

Dr. Fr. Tony D’Souza, Psychologist and Director of Premanjali Counselling Services, conducted a session on Mental Health and Wellbeing. He emphasized the essential link between emotional, cognitive, and social health for a child's holistic development, highlighting Fear and Love as key motivators of behavior in an individual. He stressed resilience for mental strength and emotional stability and the role of self-awareness in fostering overall mental health.

Mrs. Supriya Rodrigues, Middle School Coordinator at Don Bosco Naigaon, moderated an insightful On-Action Session, where educators were divided into four groups to share and discuss innovative practices, learn from each other's strengths and challenges, and collaboratively develop strategies for evolving schools. The session also provided a valuable opportunity for networking with other schools and discussing future-focused approaches to education. 

Mrs. Christaline Pinto an NGO worker, provided insight on the benefits and challenges of home schooling. 

Fr. Joaquim Fernandes shared the story of Mr. Amin Sheikh, a street child through informal schooling and trusting divine providence, founded the Bombay to Barcelona Library Café for migrant youth and later opened a school to further empower them.  

Mrs. Marie Xavier teacher from St. Dominic Savio, Andheri, expressed that she had an amazing experience and was truly impressed by the hospitality. 

Mrs. Annie Derin teacher from Don Bosco, Naigaon, said, that it was a valuable and enriching event, with insightful group discussions.

Fr. Anthony Fonseca, the Principal, thanked the organizers, Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, Vice Principal, and Mrs. Supriya Rodrigues, Middle School Coordinator, for their effort in designing the conference and ensuring its successful outcomes. He also thanked all the collaborators, the management, and the teachers for making the event a great success.