By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS), Walvanda, in collaboration with Manos Unidas, Spain, organised a two-day residential training programme for teachers under the Supportive Education and Empowerment Programme (SEEP) on August 11 and 12, 2026. The training brought together 47 participants - teachers, supervisors, project team members and staff from the 40 SEEP centres in Jawhar and Mokhada.

The training aimed to strengthen the teaching skills of educators and equip them with innovative, child-centred and activity-based approaches to make learning more joyful, engaging and effective for children in rural and tribal communities.

The inaugural session was attended by Fr Jesu Robinson, Director, BSVS Walvanda; Fr Monty Rodrigues, Principal, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Walvanda; Sr Moksha and Sr Shaila from Auxilium Vikas Kendra Sindoni, Khedpa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli; Mr Krushna Shende, Project Coordinator; and Mr Ravi Bhasara, Project Manager, along with teachers, supervisors and SEEP staff.

Welcoming the participants, the organisers highlighted the importance of continuous teacher development and the need to adopt creative approaches in the classroom. Fr. Monty, in his address, used the example of a mango seed to explain the lasting impact of a teacher. He noted that just as one seed can grow into a tree and produce many fruits, the knowledge, values and confidence planted by a teacher in a child can positively influence society for generations.

Sr. Moksha welcomed all participants and conveyed her best wishes for the training. She emphasized that teachers should work for the children's development with love, a spirit of service, and dedication. She also shared her personal experience with successful incidents.

Fr. Jesu Robinson appreciated the dedicated efforts of the teachers working through SEEP and encouraged them to continue their mission with commitment, unity and a spirit of service. He emphasised that quality education plays a vital role in shaping the future of children and strengthening the community.

The training focused extensively on joyful and activity-based teaching methodologies. Teachers participated in action songs, educational games, ice-breakers, demonstrations and practical activities. Sessions introduced innovative ways of using educational charts and teaching-learning materials for Marathi, Mathematics, English and Environmental Studies.

Teachers were also guided in developing fundamental concepts among children through simple activities involving letters, numbers, shapes and basic structures. Activities such as action songs, ball games and interactive exercises demonstrated how learning can be made more participatory and enjoyable.

A session was also conducted on child policy and migration, creating general awareness among teachers about the importance of providing children with a safe and supportive educational environment and responding sensitively to the challenges faced by children.

The second day began with a prayer song and a review of the previous day's learning. Teachers reflected on the key lessons and discussed how the new methods could be applied in their respective SEEP centres.

Subject-specific sessions provided practical guidance on teaching Mathematics, Marathi, English and Environmental Studies. Kalavati Madam demonstrated the use of Mathematics charts, including activities for learning multiplication tables. Manisha Madam conducted a session on The Joy of Reading, demonstrating ways to develop reading habits and confidence among children through pictures, words, stories and interactive exercises.

Several action songs, cultural activities and team-building games were incorporated throughout the programme. Activities such as ball passing, spoon-and-ball games and balloon games encouraged concentration, coordination, communication, cooperation and team spirit while creating a joyful learning atmosphere.

A dedicated session on life skills helped teachers understand the importance of communication, decision-making, problem-solving, self-confidence and positive relationships. The interactive nature of the session encouraged participants to reflect on how these skills can also be nurtured among children.

The training also included guidance on report writing and the 5-W method, helping teachers and project staff improve their documentation and reporting skills.

The concluding session was marked by an inspiring poem by Manoj Sir, followed by a vote of thanks by Mr. Pravin. The organisers expressed gratitude to all trainers, teachers, supervisors, project staff and participants for their active involvement and cooperation.

The two-day residential training successfully strengthened the capacity of SEEP teachers to use innovative, child-friendly and activity-based approaches in their centres. The programme reinforced the understanding that effective education goes beyond textbooks and classroom instruction and requires creativity, participation, encouragement and sensitivity to the needs of every child.

The training concluded with a renewed commitment among the teachers to translate their learning into classroom practice and provide joyful, meaningful and quality education to children in the rural and tribal communities of Jawhar and Mokhada.