by Agnorra Aranjo
MUMBAI, SEP 19, 2015: 225 Value Education coordinators, belonging to several Archdiocesan Board of Education (ABE) schools, participated in the Archdiocesan Value Education Centre (AVEC) seminar that focused on the well-being of children, at Don Bosco International School hall, Matunga on September 12.
The theme of the seminar was 'Educators and Parents together for the well-being of our children.' The program was held at familiarising the value education coordinators, of various schools, with the activities of AVEC and also helping them exchange ideas.
Rochwyn Fernandes presented the schedule for the seminar, at the onset, after which all joined in a prayer service coordinated by Sister Vera Almeida.
Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes, as the ABE representative, spoke of the necessity of educators collaborating with parents to enable them to deal with the issues many children face today.
Doctor Yolande Pereira delivered the keynote address on the need for teachers to have an open and welcoming attitude towards parents, encouraging them in their task of parenting and helping them develop a positive rapport with the school, in order to ensure better follow-up of their children.
After a break, there were more presentations on educator-parent collaborations and a panel discussion chaired by Father Savio Silveira, the Bombay Salesian Society Vice Provincial.
Rohini D'Souza spoke about teachers enabling youngsters to build healthy relationships with their families.
Father Jude Fernandes SJ reminded educators of the need to help students develop a sense of discipline and responsibility, both at school and at home.
Father Ajoy Fernandes SDB then dealt with the issue of stress in children and how educators could enable parents to deal with it effectively.
Father Magi Murzellos' address followed, he spoke on the necessity of educators being aware of the reality of addiction in children. Doctor Pereira elaborated further on the menace of pornography and how educators need to enable parents to become more aware, understanding and capable of handling these problems.
Participants asked questions, clarified their doubts, gave suggestions, shared their experiences and also brought out other important aspects concerning educator-parent collaboration.
AVEC awards were then presented to the winners of the various value education competitions organised throughout the year.
Joan Dias presented the vote of thanks. The interventions of the resource persons and the work of the AVEC/DBYS teams were appreciated.
"This seminar," as one teacher remarked, "was a small - yet important step in making our educational institutions more parent-friendly; something that will go a long way in enabling both educators and parents to take better care of our children."