by Fr Bento D’Souza for BIS Mumbai

Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK), organized a transformative two-day Teacher Training Programme on March 17 and 18 as part of its “Empowerment of Students through Education and Career Orientation Project” supported by the ATOS PRAYAS Foundation. The event brought together 69 teachers and supervisors from Ahmednagar, Beed, and Aurangabad districts, equipping them with cutting-edge strategies to address learning barriers and foster inclusive education for marginalized students.

The programme began with an inaugural address by Mr Arjun Sharnagate, BGVK’s Project Coordinator, who highlighted the pivotal role of educators in shaping equitable learning environments. Fr George, Director of BGVK, reinforced this vision, stressing the need to adopt student-centric approaches to bridge gaps in traditional classrooms. “Our goal is not just to teach but to inspire—to create spaces where every child, regardless of their background, feels valued and capable,” he asserted.

A standout session by Fr Ajay D’Monte addressed mental health and classroom dynamics, offering teachers actionable techniques to nurture students’ emotional well-being. This was followed by a reflective group discussion where educators shared challenges—from resource shortages to student disengagement—and collaboratively devised solutions. The dialogue underscored the power of peer learning and adaptability in overcoming obstacles.

Academic innovation took center stage as Mr Sathe, a Zilla Parishad trainer, demonstrated creative methods to simplify Marathi, English, and Mathematics lessons. His practical demonstrations showed how abstract concepts could be made relatable through storytelling and interactive activities. Meanwhile, Ms Nisha D’Souza’s workshop on the POCSO Act emphasized teachers’ responsibility in safeguarding students, particularly girls, through awareness of “good touch vs. bad touch” and fostering trust-based student-teacher relationships.

Technology emerged as a key theme with Mr Rohan Shelke’s session on AI tools like ChatGPT, Duolingo, and Gamma. Teachers explored how these platforms could personalize learning, automate administrative tasks, and spark curiosity in tech-savvy students. Mr Balasaheb Gaikwad complemented this with a workshop on documentation, training educators to track student progress through case studies, photography, and structured reporting—a critical step in ensuring accountability and tailored support.

The training’s interactive design, featuring Q&A rounds and hands-on activities, encouraged educators to experiment with new ideas while sharing grassroots-level success stories. By the closing session, participants expressed renewed motivation to implement these strategies, particularly in adapting lessons to diverse learning paces and needs.

This initiative reaffirms BGVK’s mission to empower educators as catalysts for change in rural India. By blending pedagogy, technology, and child protection, the organization aims to transform classrooms into hubs of opportunity—where students not only learn but thrive. As one teacher remarked, “This training reminded us that education is the foundation of empowerment. With the right tools, we can help our students build brighter futures.” Armed with fresh insights, these educators now return to their schools, ready to turn challenges into stepping stones for success.