Shanthi Kiran Counsellig Centre, Bajjodi, Mangalore, in coordination with Catholic Board of
Education and Chair in Christianity (Mangalore University), Mangalore, organised the
Second Batch of two days workshop for Higher Primary and High School teachers on
Psychological First Aid on 17th and 18th August 2023 at Milagres College Auditoruim,
Mangalore. The workshop programme was presided 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 by participating in these
workshops. He wished all the participants a fruitful learning during the course of the sessions.
The workshop was concluded on 18th August 2023. His Excellency Most Rev Dr Peter Paul
Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese and the President of 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 the times in the
school, students become closer to them and they come to know each individual student
personally. As a result, they are able understand and guide them well. On this occasion, he
gave away the certificate of participation to all the participant 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, Prinicipal, Milagres Central SCchool,
Mangalore and Rev Fr Victor Dsouza, Assistant Director, Shanthi Kiran Counselling Centre,
Mangalore were present. Mrs Jennifer Menezes and Mrs Molly Lobo shared the experience
of the two days 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 of PFA: Learn Look, Listen and Link. The same concept
evolved and 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 in
understanding and guiding their students to have a wholistic 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 Catholic Board of
Education, Mangalore, in an alternative years in three batches. In this academic year 2023-24,
the First Batch of workshop 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 going to be held at Kumbla
for Kasaragod zone.
