Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 26: Shanthi Kiran Counselling Centre, Bajjodi, in coordination with Catholic Board of Education and chair in Christianity (Mangalore University), Mangalore, organised the second batch of two-day workshop for higher primary and high school teachers on psychological first aid on August 17-18 at Milagres College Auditorium. The workshop programme was presided over and inaugurated by Fr Antony Shera, the secretary, Catholic Board of Education, Mangaluru. In his presidential address, he said, “Teachers are the primary resources and counsellors of our institutions. They are able to mould and guide our students by incorporating adequate skills by participating in these workshops.” He wished all the participants a fruitful learning during the course of the sessions.
The workshop concluded on August 18. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore diocese and the president of Catholic Board of Education, presided over the concluding ceremony. In his presidential address, he said, “The teachers are the second mothers to the students. As they spend most of the time in the school, students become closer to them and they come to know each individual student personally. As a result, they are able to understand and guide them well.” On the occasion, he gave away the certificate of participation to all the participating teachers. Fr Arun Lobo, director of Shanthi Kiran Counselling Centre, Dr Ivan D’Souza, head of chair in Christianity, Fr Joseph Uday Fernandes, principal, Milagres Central School, Mangaluru and Fr Victor D’Souza, assistant director, Shanthi Kiran Counselling Centre, Mangaluru were present. Jennifer Menezes and Molly Lobo shared the experience of the two- day workshop. Prithi Maria Lobo thanked the organizers. Jacintha Mary Peris compered the valedictory programme.
Psychological First Aid (PAF) is an evidence informed approach that is built upon the concept of human resilience. PFA aims to reduce stress symptoms and assist in a healthy recovery. There are four steps of PFA: Learn, Look, Listen and Link. The same concept evolved and was introduced by Shanthi Kiran Counselling Centre, a unit of Mangalore diocese, in organising the psychological first aid workshops for teachers. It will help the teachers in understanding and guiding their students to have a holistic growth.
These workshops have been organised by Shanthi Kiran Counselling Centre since 2015 for the higher primary and high school teachers under the management of Catholic Board of Education, Mangaluru, in alternative years in three batches. In this academic year 2023-24, the first batch of workshops was held at Bantwal-Modankap for Beltangady, Puttur, Bantwal and Vittal zones. The second batch for Mangalore episcopal, city, Surathkal, Kirem, Moodbidri, Pezar and Permannur zones. The third batch will be held at Kumbla for Kasargod zone.