St Aloysius PU College organises Staff Enrichment Programme

Mangaluru: Staff Enrichment refers to the processes, programmes and activities through which every organisation develops, enhances and improves the skills, competencies and overall performance of its employees. To meet this objective various sessions were organised for the staff of St Aloysius PU College (SAPUC) to improve their knowledge, skills and performance in line with the goals and values of the institution.

A session on ‘Self-awareness and self-esteem’ was given by Rev. Fr Joye James, Former Secretary of Jesuit Higher Education in South Asia. He stated that “The essence of education is not in mere memorization of facts, but in the moulding of minds and hearts”. He dwelled on a deeper understanding of distinguishing Knowledge & Awareness, and promotion of interpersonal relationships which are prerequisites for the holistic development of intellect in its varied dimensions. He motivated teachers to make teaching participative by fostering activities that encourage group dynamics and critical thinking amongst the learners. Fr Joye also displayed the spectrum of empathy and explained in detail why it was imperative to practice and exercise compassion, in the current times of value conflicts. He also gave an overview of the Universal Apostolic Preferences of Jesuits- Showing the way to God, Journeying with youth, Walking with the excluded and Caring for our common home and highlighted the works being carried out by the Jesuits in India on these points.

Rev.Fr Cedric Prakash J, Human rights and Peace activist from Gujarat, gave a thought-provoking talk on ‘Human Rights and present-day challenges’ and urged the teachers to stir the minds of the youth to be secular, democratic and open-minded and to challenge the injustices in the present day world. Fr Cedric gave insights into the loopholes in the education system that brings in discrimination against the students of rural and backward classes. He explained how the constitution is the basis to provide equal rights to all citizens and gave examples of how they are being violated. He voiced concerns about child labour, curbs on the freedom of speech, attacks on liberal media and in general legitimizing injustice. Fr Cedric expected the teachers to take initiative in channelizing energy to challenge the infringement in human rights and moulding the students to be men and women for and with others in the true sense.

The session on ‘Legal Aspects Related to Adolescence’ was conducted by Advocate K Nikesh Shetty, who explained laws applicable to adolescents. His unequivocal session had insights into the POCSO Act 2012, the process of reporting offences under POCSO, cyber laws, and the principles of care and protection act. He explained the need for separate regulations for children and the statutes leading to POCSO Act 2012. He also voiced his concerns about atrocities on girls, minors and paedophilia.

‘Overcoming the challenges of teaching Gen Z’ session was taken up by Vimarsha Jain, a practising Psychologist and Counselor in Mangalore. Her interactive session provided insights into the characteristics of Gen –Z and the general notion of the teacher-student relationship. She suggested that to overcome the challenges of teaching Gen Z we need to redefine the student-teacher relationship and build a connection that is mutual, respectful and healthy.

The educative sessions helped the teachers to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to mentor the youth to become torchbearers for a better future.