Kasargod: 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 on 27.11.20l0 at St. Mary’s English Medium School, Vorkady, Kasargod Dist. (Kerala).  The Workshop was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by Mr Srikant Holla, Vice-President, Parent-Teachers’ Association, St. Mary’s English Medium School, Vorkady.

The objectives of the programme were (1) to know the difference between Values and Virtues; (2) to be aware of the five Strategies of Virtue Project; (3) to enrich one’s life and to become a pleasing character; (4) to apply the strategies in the class-room context.  Dr Padmini Pai, the Master Facilitator of Virtues Project International, trained the facilitators of this workshop a year ago.  The workshop was carried out by   five facilitators, namely,   Rev. 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 (a) to speak the Language of Virtues; (b) to recognize Teachable Moments;  (c) To set Clear Boundaries;  (d) to Honour  Spirit  and (e) 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. Vote of thanks was delivered by Sr. Anitha Rodrigues and Sr. Leena D’Souza compered the stage programme.  26 teachers took active part in this workshop and felt inspired and motivated to spread the contents of five Strategies around them.