Media Release 

Kasargod, Nov 30: With a view of enlightening the teachers to empower students and colleagues in the school, and their own family members by helping them to recognize their virtues and live by them, a day’s workshop on “Virtues Project Workshop” was jointly conducted by ‘Samanvaya’ Mangalore and the Ursuline Franciscan Educational Society, Deralakatte at St Mary’s English Medium School, Vorkady here, recently.

The Workshop was inaugurated by Srikant Holla, vice-president, Parent-Teachers’ Association, St Mary’s English Medium School, Vorkady. The objectives of the programme were to know the difference between Values and Virtues; to be aware of the five Strategies of Virtue Project; to enrich one’s life and to become a pleasing character and to apply the strategies in the class-room context. 

Dr Padmini Pai, master facilitator of Virtues Project International, trained the facilitators of the workshop a year ago.  The workshop was carried out by  five facilitators, namely Dr Ronald Cutinha, director,   ‘Samanvaya’ Mangalore, Sr Lilly Fernandes, secretary, Ursuline Franciscan Educational Society, Sr Mabel D’Souza, Sr Leena D’Souza and Sr Annie Rodrigues. 

The five strategies of Virtues Project dealt with are to speak the Language of Virtues; to recognize Teachable Moments;  to set Clear Boundaries; to Honour Spirit  and to offer Spiritual Companionship.  These five strategies are the signature contribution of the Virtues Project and are based on virtues that are universally valued by all cultures and faiths. The workshop had full of activities, examples, group work and power point presentations.

Sr Juliana Pais, the headmistress of St Mary’s English Medium School welcomed the gathering and was instrumental for the success of the workshop. The vote of thanks was delivered by Sr Anitha Rodrigues and Sr Leena D’Souza compered the stage programme.

In all  26 teachers took active part in this workshop and felt inspired and motivated to spread the contents of five strategies around them.