PORVORIM
The Goa Teachers’ Team held its XXXII Regional Seminar cum Recollection at Dasya, Porvorim on October 18 and 19.
The regional seminar was animated by the National Chaplain, Fr Siju Pappachan CSC, and Regional Chaplain, Fr Walter de Sá.
The programme began on October 18 with Fr de Sá leading the recollection on the theme of Hope, reminding the participants that hope generates courage, reduces stress, deepens relationships, and nurtures life with peace, serenity and joy.
He invited teachers to awaken hope in students and to draw strength from the Eucharist in order to face any crisis.
The session on October 19 began with prayer and meditation led by Fr Pappachan. This was followed by an insightful session on Mental Health Support and Preventing Self-Harm and Suicide, conducted by three professionals from Tele-Manas Goa, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Meghna Jadhav (clinical psychologist), Richal Fernandes (psychiatric nurse) and Yogesh Gawas (team assistant).
They conducted engaging interactive sessions that addressed challenges faced by children, adolescents, and adults. Meghna Jadhav explained some of the available free counselling and teletherapy services through helplines 14416 or 1800-891-4416, emphasising confidentiality and care.
Thereafter, participants joined in the Eucharistic celebration with Fr Pappachan and Fr de Sá, followed by lunch and discussions on Teachers’ Team matters.
The seminar provided participants with a weekend of reflection, learning, and fellowship, an experience that rekindled hope in their hearts and strengthened their mission as teachers.
