By Rachel Pinto for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco Chinchwad organized a two-day comprehensive mental wellness workshop, "Discovering of YoU," on October 7-8, 2024, for its students and staff. The workshop aimed to promote holistic well-being, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. Renowned resource person, Fr. Ajay D'Monte, facilitated engaging sessions.

The workshop focused on crucial aspects of mental well-being, including personality development, healthy relationships, group building and dynamics, addictions, pain and trauma healing, life patterns, and emotional balance and stress management.

Fr. Ajay conducted additional sessions for teachers and staff, which had a profound impact on the teaching staff. The sessions empowered teachers to better understand and support students from diverse backgrounds. By attending the sessions, teachers gained valuable insights into identifying individual student struggles, providing personalized guidance, and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Fr. D'Monte asked the teachers to identify the issues they discover. The teachers shared the following points in the group discussion: anxiety disorders, depression, stress, substance abuse, trauma, personality disorders, psychosis, eating disorders, sleep disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

They also shared modern-day concerns: social media addiction, cyberbullying, online harassment, screen time addiction, loneliness and isolation, burnout, chronic stress, body image issues, self-esteem concerns, and trauma.

Mr. Nilesh Chandgude, Principal, praised the sessions: "Fr. Ajay's sessions were incredibly fruitful and beneficial for our staff. Understanding each student's unique needs is both challenging and inspiring. These sessions have equipped us to create a more inclusive and nurturing environment."

Frankie Parera (Electrician student) praised the workshop saying, "The workshop helped me discover myself." Another student, Nishant Jadhav said, "Fr. Ajay's creative approach made the sessions engaging and lively."

Mr. Vincent Dias, on behalf of the Institute, thanked Fr. Ajay for his availability and dynamic facilitation.

Don Bosco Chinchwad Institute is committed to accompanying students throughout their academic journey, fostering holistic development through initial trade course selection guidance, ongoing counseling for personal and academic growth, and end-of-training guidance for industry or apprenticeship placement.

To further support students, the institute plans to appoint a trained counselor to provide expert guidance, offer industry interfaces and exposure, and facilitate apprenticeship opportunities.