BIS# 3684 AVEC TEACHERS’ SEMINAR 2013

by Carissa Gudino

MATUNGA-MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 29, 2013:  Learning is a life-long process... it is said that we learn from the womb to the tomb. Keeping this in mind, the Archdiocesan Value Education Commission (AVEC) organised a seminar for value education co-ordinators/ teachers of all the ABE schools in Mumbai on the 26th of September 2013. This year there were 225 participants from 104 schools.

This seminar - conceptualised by Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb - aims at familiarising the value education co-ordinators of the various schools with the activities of AVEC as well as helps them exchange ideas and get to know one other. It helps the teachers work hand in hand with AVEC towards the common goal of instilling values in the hearts and minds of the young children entrusted to their care.

The program began with a prayer service by Sr. Vera Almeida of the AVEC team. Fr. Bosco D'Mello, the principal of Don Bosco High School, Matunga then welcomed all present. The seminar was inaugurated by Fr. George Athaide, the secretary of the Archdiocesan Board of Education. Kia Scherr spoke about her Peace Forum and the One Life Alliance of which she is the founder. She also released a DVD containing the 30-day pledge for respecting the sacredness of life. One of the teachers commented "The 30-day pledge was very exciting and inspiring - the highlight of the day."

AVEC awards were presented to the winners of the various competitions organised.  The participants were enthused by the talk of Fr. Ajoy Fernandes who took them through the value of understanding mental health, which is often overlooked. The session was lively and interactive with videos to help the teachers be attentive to special children. Fr. Joaquim Fernandes spoke about the effects of media and networking upon the academic and social development of students.

A representative from Macmillan Publishers, Ms. Avinash Kaur Dhanoa introduced those present to their Xpress series' integrated teaching-learning resources. Macmillan also distributed copies of their book 'More than a Teacher' which speaks about the dynamics of teaching. It attempts to shed light on some of the constraints teachers face and offers possible solutions to common problems.

Fr. Glenn Lowe concluded the seminar by presenting the AVEC team and proposing the vote of thanks.