Media Release
Bengaluru, Aug 28: St Aloysius International School, Harihar held a leadership training programme for 30 student council members in Bengaluru from August 24 to 27. The event was a resounding success, inspiring a new generation of leaders to shape the future.
Day 1: Life of St Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron of St Aloysius International School.
The programme commenced with a poignant session on the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga, patron saint of the school conducted by Grace Noronha, school advisor and principal, Fr Vinod SJ.
St Aloysius Gonzaga: A shining example of kindness and compassion. He was a remarkable individual who embodied exceptional kindness, compassion, and selflessness. During the plague outbreak in Rome in 1591, Aloysius, then a young Jesuit seminarian, dedicated himself to caring for the afflicted, despite the risk to his own life. He nursed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the dying, exemplifying extraordinary empathy and devotion.
Tragically, Aloysius contracted the plague himself and succumbed to it on June 21, 1591, at the tender age of 23. His ultimate sacrifice serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to serving others.
The remarkable story of St Aloysius Gonzaga offers valuable lessons for students.
1. Empathy and compassion: Aloysius' selfless care for the plague victims demonstrates the importance of putting others' needs before one's own.
2. Courage and resilience: His bravery in the face of danger and willingness to risk his own life inspire us to stand up for what is right, even in challenging circumstances.
3. Humility and kindness: Aloysius' gentle and compassionate nature serves as a reminder to treat others with kindness, respect, and dignity.
By embracing these qualities, our children can develop into compassionate, courageous, and empathetic individuals, making a positive impact in their communities and the world at large.
The students proposed a heartfelt vote of thanks to the school advisor and principal for their insightful guidance. Key takeaways included the importance of selfless service and compassion towards the poor and needy.
Goal setting and team work
The subsequent sessions on goal setting and team work empowered students to focus on their objectives without distractions and cultivate a collaborative spirit. Student council had many takeaways, most importantly one’s goal needs to be based on the reality he or she lives in. They learned to tap into each other's talents, work unitedly, and maintain focus on their goals. The resource persons for these sessions were Fr Anthony Arul, SJ and Fr Norwin Pereira SJ. They were thanked by the students for their invaluable contributions.
Talk on Universal Apostolic Preferences, (UAPs): How to be a global citizen was held by Fr Jason Martis, SJ. The UAPS session highlighted the significance of prayer life, taking care of the poor-marginalised, accompanying our younger brothers and sisters as well as environmental stewardship, encouraging students to protect and preserve our planet. The resource person was thanked for his enlightening presentation.
Day 2: Student council members were also exposed to another workshop on the qualities of a good leader and different styles of leadership by Shaila, senior counsellor and Prerana counsellor in St Joseph's CBSE School, Bengaluru. The whole programme was facilitated by Fr Rohan D’ Almeida SJ, principal, St Joseph’s CBSE School.
This was followed by a visit to the Vidhana Soudha. It was an enlightening moment for the staff as well as the students to get a closer look at the functioning of the government. Our students visited both the upper (legislative council) and lower (legislative assembly) houses. It was a practical way to know what it means to be a leader to our students. In the afternoon it was a quick yet effective visit to Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Bengaluru (VITM), where the students were mesmerised by the advancements in the field of science and technology.
The students also had a meaningful visit to Snehanilaya, Orphanage run by FSI sisters, special thanks to Sr Rani for organising this visit.
The programme's final leg included a visit to the prestigious St Joseph's University, where students were awestruck by the magnificent infrastructure and inspired by the vice chancellor Fr Victor, SJ and his words of encouragement. This experience broadened their perspectives, motivating them to become responsible leaders.
Pre-departure metro ride
Before embarking on the last leg of their journey, the leadership camp participants took a thrilling metro ride, fulfilling all promises made to the student council. The students thoroughly enjoyed this experience, cherishing the memories of their adventure.
The leadership programme was a transformative experience, equipping students with essential skills, knowledge, and inspiration to make a positive impact. The students expressed profound gratitude to the resource persons, facilitators, and organizers for their dedication and support.
This very programme on leadership highlights the programme's success in empowering future leaders, who will shape the world with vision, compassion, and wisdom.
The staff and the students remain grateful to Fr Arun Luis SJ and team for providing the best accommodation and meeting the basic needs of our students at Ashirvad. We are also indebted to Fr Sunil Fernandes SJ, principal SJBHS, Fr Cyril D’Mello SJ, Fr Joy Rodrigues SJ and Fr Vishal Pinto SJ, Fr John Baptist SJ for their valuable support.
The school staff included Grace Noronha, school adviser; Fr Vinod AJ, SJ, principal; Sr Shanthi David FSI, vice-principal and Mr Manjunath Lamani, teacher.
Fr Eric Matthias SJ, the director of St Aloysius Institutions has always been a source of great support right from the inception till the conclusion of the programme. Along with him the staff of the school and PU college have lent their invaluable support and encouragement.