Psychological First Aid Workshops for Teachers in Mangalore Diocese
Mangaluru: Shanthi Kiran Counselling Centre, Bajjodi, Mangalore, in coordination with the Catholic Board of Education and Chair in Christianity (Mangalore University), Mangalore, organised the Second Batch of a two-day workshop for Higher Primary and High School teachers on Psychological First Aid on August 17 and 18, 2023 at Milagres College Auditorium, Mangalore. The workshop programme was presided over and inaugurated by V. Rev. Fr Antony Shera, the Secretary, Catholic Board of Education, Mangalore. In his presidential address, he said that teachers are the primary resources and counsellors of our institutions. They are able to mould and guide our students by incorporating adequate skills through their participation in these workshops. He wished all the participants fruitful learning during the course of the sessions.
The workshop was concluded on August 18, 2023. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese and the President of the Catholic Board of Education, presided over the concluding ceremony. In his presidential address, Bishop said that the teachers are the second mothers to the students. As they spend most of their 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 this occasion, he gave away the certificate of participation to all the participating teachers. Rev Fr Arun Lobo, Director of Shanthi Kiran Counselling Centre, Rev Dr Ivan Dsouza, Head of Chair in Christianity, Rev Fr Joseph Uday Fernandes, Principal, Milagres Central School, Mangaluru, and Rev Fr Victor Dsouza, Assistant Director, Shanthi Kiran Counselling Centre, Mangaluru were present.
Mrs Jennifer Menezes and Mrs Molly Lobo shared their experiences from the two-day workshop. Mrs Prithi Maria Lobo thanked the organizers. Mrs 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 to PFA: Learn to 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 understand and guide their students 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 the Catholic Board of Education, Mangaluru, in an alternative years in three batches. In this academic year 2023–24, the first batch of workshops was held at Bantwal-Modankap for Belthangady, 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 in Kasaragod zone.
