Stitching a Better Tomorrow
In a small village tucked away in
Ahmednagar district, sewing machines hum softly in homes where women once sat idle, waiting for an opportunity. Today, that wait is over.
District-Level English Elocution Competition
District-Level English Elocution Competition News Stories St. Xavier High School & Junior College, Shrirampur, organized the 20th District-Level English Elocution Competition in preparation for the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The event, based on theme ‘To Love and Serve’, the motto of our school, was held at the St. Luke Nursing College auditorium, and brought together talented speakers from across the district. Among our honoured guests were: Mr. Ganesh Shinde (renowned Marathi orator), Sr. Reena George (Principal, St.Luke College), Fr. Prakash Bhalerao SJ (Superior), other Jesuit fathers and faculty members. 20 schools participated in the competition, showcasing inspirational speeches that reflected a deep understanding of the theme and powerful oratory skills. The awards went to: First – St. Vivekanand High School, Ahilyanagar; Second – St. Xavier’s High School & Junior College, Shrirampur; and Third: Auxilium English Medium School, Ahilyanagar. The Best Speaker Awards went to: Amogh Palaskar (St. Vivekanand School), Mahek Balani (St. Xavier’s, Shrirampur), Yash Mantode (Dnyanmata School, Sangamner), and Prachi Lad (B.R. Khathod School, Shrirampur). The program was skilfully coordinated by Mr. Anand Patekar and his enthusiastic student team. Judges for the event were Fr. Allwyn K., Fr. Sunil Gaikwad SJ, and Dr. Priya Sarda. The students of St. Xavier led the audience in prayerful and joyful singing. Sr. Reena George, in her thought-provoking message, spoke about the deeper meaning of ‘To Love and Serve’, encouraging students to grow into responsible, compassionate citizens who uplift others through their actions. Prof. Ganesh Shinde, in his keynote address, praised the confidence and clarity of the participants, and urged them to continue practicing and using their voice for good. The St. Xavier staff and volunteers made the event a memorable and inspiring experience. The elocution competition not only celebrated public speaking but also highlighted the values of Ignatian education – faith, service, and leadership. The event concluded with the vibrant, uplifting Ignatian March, and the theme ever ‘To Love and Serve’, echoing in our hearts. Child Safeguarding Education Jesuit Education mental health Safeguarding TDSS
Mental Health and Child Safeguarding Workshop
Mental Health and Child Safeguarding Workshop News Stories Training for Development Scholarship Society (TDSS) organized a workshop on Mental Health and Child Safeguarding, for Non-Formal Education project teachers and coordinators on July 12 and 13, 2025, at the Bacher Eco-Training Centre, Hivrekorda. The Insync team from Mumbai: Mrs. Rani, Mrs. Mukta and Miss Pooja, facilitated the workshop; and Adv. Mrunal Shelke made a presentation on Child Safeguarding. The workshop began with a brain-storming session on the concept of Mental Stress. The facilitators stressed expressing emotions, journaling thoughts and feelings or giving vent to tears. Self-acceptance and self-love are extremely important in dealing with situations of stress. Mrs. Mukta emphasized that, to manage and regulate our emotions and our life-style, it is essential to have some space for oneself. She recommended the Grounding Technique to help focus on positive thoughts. Mrs. Rani highlighted the elements for healthy growth – the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels secure to express themselves, to make mistakes, and to build mutual trust. Miss Pooja drew attention to problems caused by excessive use of mobile phones. We often see, among students, cases of bullying and peer pressure, low self-esteem, and even suicidal tendencies, caused by overuse of mobile phones and lack of human communication. She recommended that teachers and parents must spend time with the students, talk to them and make them feel that they are understood. The workshop participants were very enthusiastic and responded actively. For Sr. Olive, the workshop provided valuable insights to deal with bulling and mobile phone usage. She felt that it would help in making decisions, promoting healthy habits and creating a safe environment for the children. Sr. Lourdu was extremely happy as the inputs helped deal with daily issues: to identify the problems, express and cope with them. The teachers face challenges and need to be kind to themselves – they need self-care and self-love. Each one’s journey is unique. It is important to acknowledge and celebrate when one wins, and not to worry when one has not succeeded; mistakes help us to grow through new experiences. Child Safeguarding Education Jesuit Education mental health Safeguarding TDSS