Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes welcomed the participants on behalf of AVEC. A short prayer service organized by Sr. Vera Almeida set the tone for the day. Fr. Gregory Lobo, ABE Secretary inaugurated the day with a few words of advice and assurance of support to the AVEC program. "Your students are not files, they are people who need to be loved and valued," said Fr. Lobo.
Eminent speakers were invited to address the august gathering. Mrs. Elaine Charles, former Principal of St. Xavier's Teachers' Training College was the guest speaker. She enlightened the Value Educators on 'the What, the WHY and the HOW of Value Education'. In her eloquent style, coupled with her long standing experience as an educator, she brought home the importance of Value Education in our schools.
Fr. Magi Murzello, Principal of St. Andrew's High School Bandra, introduced creative and innovative methods in imparting Values to the students. The spoke on 'Mission Sunshine', a value based venture in his school, as a step in the direction of appreciation and bringing sunshine into the darkened lives of people and students too.
Fr. Glenford Lowe, Director of AVEC enlightened the Coordinators on the 'Twelve Diamond Value Project' that the centre has initiated in the schools affiliated to the ABE. He gave a summary of the entire project and invited the schools to create an ambient that would foster such values. The role of the Value Educator was also highlighted in the session.
Mr. Jimmy Joseph, ASIA BOOK HOUSE presented their popular school book series 'Roadmap to Good Living, while Mr. Hiralal Makwana, Vichar Value Education Resources spoke the importance of Audiovisuals in teaching Value Education and invited the coordinators to have a look at their AV resources.
Fr. Savio Silveira, Director GreenLine challenged the participants to look at the importance of being 'Greener people for a Greener World'. Using current statistics and practical ways, Fr. Silveira showed how Eco-friendly Values could be initiated in schools to make students 'Respect the earth and its resources'.
Value Education Coordinators took time to evaluate the activities of the AVEC and proposed ways in which the bonds and communication between the Schools and the AVEC could be strengthened. A new audio CD 'Assembly Songs for Every School' was also made available. A DVD containing Value Education Resources was also given to each participant.
Special word of thanks to Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes, Sr. Vera Almeida, Mrs. Margaret Joseph and Ms. Michelle D'Souza for the efforts made to coordinate the entire program and to Fr. Derrick Misquitta, Administrator of Don Bosco School – Matunga, for the use of the school auditorium.