Media Release
Udupi, Apr 17: Young Catholic Students, Moodubelle unit organized a one-day career guidance workshop titled 'Career connect: Exploring opportunities and discovering the path' for 9th and 10th grade students and their parents. The workshop started with an aptitude test that lasted for an hour and a half. This was followed by a formal inauguration, then a session on career sensitization, which covered interests, values, skills, and the reasons behind choosing a career. Participants also learned about available career opportunities, higher education options, and scholarship possibilities. Following that, individualized career counselling sessions were conducted, which included discussions about the aptitude test results. These personalized sessions included a Q&A segment that addressed individual queries and provided guidance.
Resource persons for the workshop included Wilma Neetha Vaz, assistant professor, department of psychology at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in Mangaluru, and Janifer Harush Quadros, advocate in Udupi and visiting faculty at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in Mangaluru.
The chief guest for the inauguration was Dr Ivan Martis, a native of Moodubelle, who holds a doctorate in canon law and is currently serving as the secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature in Bolivia, South America. Present at the event were YCS Moodubelle unit assistant director Fr Rikson Monteiro, parish pastoral committee vice president CA Pritish Burton D'Sa, secretary Charles Quadros, commissions coordinator Gracy Rebello, youth coordinator Valerian Noronha, and ICYM animator Nevil D'Souza. Fr George D'Souza, the parish priest and YCS Moodubelle unit director, attended the workshop and presented mementoes to the resource persons.
The programme commenced with a compelling introduction that emphasized the significance of its guiding methodology, YCS: see, judge, act. This methodology serves as a roadmap for students to navigate their future paths effectively. The event was thoughtfully organized by YCS for their younger peers in the 9th and 10th grades, as well as for their parents. The inclusion of parents was particularly important, as they play a crucial role in helping their children make informed career decisions. Throughout the session, the audience engaged in discussions that underscored the importance of choosing the right career options, recognizing that these choices can profoundly impact both students' aspirations and their families' futures.
The programme was inaugurated by the chief guest and resource persons, who lit diyas in each student’s hands. This symbolized the beginning of their journey toward making the right choices and receiving guidance to brighten their lives. Fr Ivan emphasized the importance of making good choices and developing the skills necessary to lead a dignified life while contributing to society. He highlighted the significance of choosing wisely and making those decisions at the right time. He quoted a Kannada saying: "Kaka Drishti, Baka Dyana, Shwana Nidra, Mitha Ahara, and Graha Tyagi," which outlines essential qualities for being a good student.
Fr Ivan also shared stories from his interactions with various students in Bolivia who are pursuing different careers. One particularly interesting story involved a 12-year-old boy who, upon learning that Fr. Ivan is of Indian descent, asked whether he identified as Dravidian or Aryan. This young boy aspires to be a diplomat and is preparing for this goal by studying Indian history, despite being from a foreign country.
The vice president of the parish pastoral committee, CA Pritish Dsa, congratulated the YCS for organizing such a thoughtful programme for young minds and their parents, on behalf of the parish priest and parishioners. He emphasized the importance of making informed decisions during this critical stage in the 9th and 10th grades. He also shared his life experiences about his choice of stream in Pre-University College (PUC), his journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant, and his decision to work in his hometown.
The workshop was sponsored by the 2008-2010 YCS batch from the Moodubelle unit. These individuals have achieved success in various sectors across different continents and share a deep concern for the future generations of the Moodubelle parish. The YCS Moodubelle Unit sincerely expresses its gratitude to them. This highlights the importance of giving back to society while also guiding young minds toward understanding the value of contributing. Participants enjoyed snacks and lunch, providing time for networking and relaxation during the break.
Jane Alva hosted the programme, while Janessa Mendonca and Lanson Menezes delivered the vote of thanks. Rishal Mascarenhas introduced the chief guest, and Melson Lobo and Aralyn Barboza introduced the resource persons. The success of the programme was a testament to the planning, creativity, hard work, and dedication of the active YCS volunteer team in learning and organizing skills. Their efforts were instrumental in making the event a resounding success. Along with engaging talks and interactive activities led by amazing resource persons, the YCS members conducted interesting games, action songs, and dance sessions to keep the participants involved. This initiative emphasized the importance of conducting workshops for the newer generation and their parents. YCS volunteers created clear and informative charts that explained the significance of career choices and their importance to the participants. Since the workshop was held in the first-floor parochial house, the facilities in the hall were used effectively. Round tables, a sound system, and audiovisual equipment contributed to the program's success.
The event's YCS volunteers were Alexan Baretto, Aralyn Barboza, Hazel D’Souza, Jane Alva, Janessa Mendonca, Joel Pereira, Joslin Castelino, Joylin Lobo, Lanson Menezes, Lanson Fernandes, Melson Lobo, Melson Mathias, Rishal Mascarenhas, Riva D’Souza, Shaun D’Souza, Veron Machado, Vinal Lobo, Vinisha Mendonca. The workshop was coordinated and facilitated by YCS animators Dr Judith Lobo and Nikitha Rebello.