TWO-DAY WORKSHOP ON SALESIAN PEDAGOGY ENRICHES EDUCATORS IN GOA
22 Feb 2026
TWO-DAY WORKSHOP ON SALESIAN PEDAGOGY ENRICHES EDUCATORS IN GOA
Odxel, Goa, February 20, 2026
A two-day seminar–cum–workshop on Salesian Pedagogy was successfully conducted at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Odxel, Goa, on February 19–20, 2026. The programme brought together 48 participants, including Salesian priests, brothers, sisters, teachers, collaborators, Cooperators, and ADMA members from various institutions of the Panjim Province (INP).
The workshop was animated by Fr. John Parankimalil, Secretary of the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia (SPCSA), Secretary of AIDBES, and Coordinator of Education and Culture for South Asia, assisted by Fr. Banzelao Teixeira, Vice Provincial of INP. The sessions aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of Don Bosco’s educational vision and the practical application of the Salesian Preventive System in today’s educational context.
The programme commenced with a prayer service led by Sr. Melissa D’Souza. Fr. Joel D’Souza, Rector of the Provincial House, welcomed the gathering and felicitated the dignitaries. The Provincial of INP, Fr. Clive Telles, addressed the participants, encouraging them to rediscover Don Bosco’s pedagogy as a living and dynamic approach to youth ministry and education.
Throughout the workshop, Fr. John Parankimalil explored themes such as the Preventive System of Reason, Religion, and Loving Kindness; the pedagogy of presence; and the importance of accompaniment. He stressed that teaching is not merely an occupation but a vocation and a privileged ministry. Drawing from incidents in Don Bosco’s life and examples from his early oratory, he illustrated how empathy, patience, and joyful engagement form the heart of Salesian education.
The sessions were highly interactive and activity-based. Creative methodologies including quizzes, chart work, group discussions, multimedia presentations, and short movie clips ensured active participation and sustained interest. Participants appreciated the balance between theoretical input and practical application relevant to classroom realities and youth ministry settings.
The evaluation revealed that participants found the workshop informative, well-structured, formation-oriented, and spiritually enriching. Many noted that the emphasis on loving kindness, presence, and relationship helped them reflect deeply on their role as educators and mentors. The workshop also fostered fraternity among participants through meaningful interaction during sessions and shared meals, which were warmly appreciated.
Special attention was given to the spiritual dimension of Don Bosco’s pedagogy. Participants highlighted insights such as education as a path to holiness, the integration of faith and reason, and the Preventive System as a Gospel-based approach to forming young minds and hearts.
The concluding session was delivered by Fr. Tamatur Cardozo, Head of the Education Commission of INP. The programme ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Fr. Infancio Pires, followed by the distribution of certificates.
Participants departed with renewed enthusiasm, strengthened commitment, and a deeper conviction to carry forward Don Bosco’s mission of being “signs and bearers of God’s love” to the young.
