By Fr Bento D’Souza SDB and Sr Sangita D’Monte CCV for BIS Mumbai

The ATOS Foundation organized a two-day Teachers’ Training Program on October 27 and 28, 2025 at Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra, Ahmednagar. The training was a carefully planned initiative aimed at strengthening the teaching skills, classroom management techniques, and overall professional development of educators working with the Foundation.

The sessions were animated by a team of dynamic and experienced facilitators—Ms Ankita Shelke, Fr George D’Abreo and Fr Ajit Munis. Together, they brought a rich blend of academic knowledge, pastoral experience, and practical insight into the diverse realities of teaching.

Over the course of the two days, the participants were guided through several meaningful sessions that addressed essential aspects of effective teaching. The program introduced teachers to problem-solving techniques using a five-step approach, emphasizing systematic thinking and student participation. A session on the use of mobile technology in education explored how digital tools can be responsibly integrated into learning processes to make lessons more engaging and accessible.

A particularly impactful segment focused on understanding child psychology, enabling teachers to better appreciate the emotional and developmental needs of their students. This was closely linked with a reflective discussion on bringing out the best qualities hidden in every child, encouraging educators to recognize and nurture the unique talents and strengths of each learner. Another important topic, teachers’ responsibility and lesson planning, highlighted the idea that teachers are not merely transmitters of knowledge but true educators who play a formative role in shaping young minds and characters.

The training methodology was highly participatory and experiential. Teachers took part in group discussions, presentations, dialogues, and interactive exercises that encouraged critical thinking and collaboration. Action songs and short dramatizations added an element of creativity and energy to the sessions, while motivational videos and short stories offered inspiration and moral insight. The overall atmosphere was one of enthusiasm, openness, and mutual learning.

At the end of the two-day program, the participants gathered for an evaluation session to share their reflections and provide feedback. The facilitators addressed remaining questions and helped the teachers plan follow-up initiatives for continued learning and improvement. The event concluded with the distribution of stationery materials, marking a gesture of appreciation and support for the teachers’ ongoing educational efforts.

The training proved to be a deeply enriching and transformative experience. Participants expressed that the sessions had not only improved their understanding of modern teaching methods but also rekindled their passion for education and their commitment to holistic child development. The interactive structure of the program fostered a spirit of cooperation and community among educators, who left the training with renewed motivation and practical tools to enhance their classroom practices.

In essence, the ATOS Foundation Teachers’ Training Program at Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra Kedgaon, was a fruitful, reflective, and inspiring journey. It reaffirmed the Foundation’s dedication to empowering teachers as agents of change—professionals who not only educate the mind but also shape the heart and spirit of every child entrusted to their care.