Category: EduConnect

EduConnect

GHSS Pernem Hosts ‘Script to Screen’ Film Workshop with Goa Academy & Govt. of Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Government Higher Secondary School, Pernem became a vibrant hub of creativity and storytelling as it hosted the ‘Script to Screen’ Film Making Workshop, organised by the Goa Academy in collaboration with the Department of Information and Publicity, Government of Goa. The initiative was designed to introduce students to the exciting world of filmmaking—from ideation to post-production.

The workshop was guided by experienced professionals, with Mr. Anil Lad serving as Film Making Co-ordinator, supported by Mrs. Divyani Prab as Assistant Co-ordinator and Mrs. Santosh Patil as Assistant. The program aimed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and equip students with technical and narrative skills required for visual storytelling.

Over the course of the workshop, students were mentored on script writing, shot planning, camera techniques, sound design, and basic editing. The event culminated in a film screening session where teams showcased their short films created entirely during the workshop.

The winning team—Saish Kudtarkar, Ishwari Gotankar, Manas Tulshikar, and Yogesh Jadhav—was lauded for their storytelling, visual creativity, and teamwork. Their short film stood out for its originality and technical execution, earning them special recognition.

Principal Rajeshri Redkar and Vice Principal Kirtimala Parab extended their support to the initiative, highlighting the importance of integrating arts and technology into mainstream education to equip students for future careers in media, communication, and the creative industries.

This engaging and educational workshop is part of a broader push to encourage creative expression among youth and build awareness of media literacy and film as a powerful communication tool.

EduConnect

Young Archers from Sunshine Worldwide School Shine at Independence Day Competition

Tanisha Cardozo

On August 15, 2025, Sunshine Worldwide School, Old Goa, proudly participated in an archery competition held to celebrate India’s Independence Day. The event was hosted by Zito Archery Club and took place at Fr. Agnel Central School, Pilar, attracting young archery talent from schools across the region.

Guided by their dedicated coach, Leonor Godinho, the school’s archery team demonstrated strong sportsmanship, discipline, and skill. Among the shining stars of the competition was Ms. Abigail Vanderpett, whose composed focus, technique, and precision caught the attention of both judges and spectators alike. Her performance stood out not just for the scores, but for the grace and control she displayed throughout the competition.

Events like these not only allow students to test their sporting ability but also foster confidence, teamwork, and valuable life experiences. The spirit of friendly competition and encouragement among schools made the day a memorable one.

The Sunshine Worldwide School community extends heartfelt congratulations to all the participants and looks forward to celebrating many more successes in the future.

EduConnect

Goa Trains 240 Special Educators to Implement Standardised DISHA Curriculum for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Tanisha Cardozo

In a progressive move toward inclusive education, the state of Goa has begun training 240 special educators to implement the NIEPID DISHA Curriculum for Children with Intellectual Disabilities. This initiative, launched under the Sewa Pakhwada Abhiyaan by the Government of India, is being spearheaded by GSCERT Goa, the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa.

The training program is being conducted from September 17 to 24, 2025, covering educators from both special and inclusive schools across the state. The inaugural ceremony took place in hybrid mode and was graced by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Honourable Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. He lauded the efforts of GSCERT and the State Commissioner’s office for taking initiative in adopting the DISHA curriculum.

The DISHA Curriculum, developed by the Jai Vakeel Foundation in Mumbai and approved by NIEPID in 2019, is a standardized educational framework designed to meet the learning needs of children with intellectual disabilities. Already implemented in over 460 special schools in Maharashtra, the curriculum includes comprehensive teacher manuals, student workbooks, and a digital web-portal that enables online assessments, progress monitoring, and real-time data analysis at various administrative levels.

Ms. Archana Chandra, CEO of Jai Vakeel Foundation, shared insights on the success of the curriculum in Maharashtra and highlighted the recent MoU signed with NIEPID to facilitate nationwide rollout. The curriculum has also received approval from the Rehabilitation Council of India, New Delhi.

Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, commended the collaboration between NIEPID and Jai Vakeel Foundation, calling the introduction of the curriculum a much-needed intervention for the state. Ms. Meghna Shetgaonkar, Director of GSCERT, expressed full support for the initiative and assured continued efforts to enhance special education in Goa.

The implementation of the DISHA curriculum in Goa is expected to significantly improve the educational experience and outcomes for children with intellectual disabilities in the state, setting a strong precedent for other states to follow.

EduConnect

Parul University to Inaugurate New High-Tech Campus in Goa on September 18

Tanisha Cardozo

Parul University is set to mark a major milestone in Goa’s higher education landscape with the inauguration of its new campus near ONGC Betul in Quepem on September 18. The campus represents a significant step in making quality, industry-relevant education more accessible to Goan students, offering a broad range of modern and technical courses including physiotherapy, health sciences, pharmacy, and more.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will officially inaugurate the campus, while Health Minister Vishwajit Rane will preside over the student oath-taking ceremony. The inauguration event is scheduled to be held at 10 am at the Kala Academy auditorium in Panaji, in the presence of dignitaries, university officials, faculty, and students.

Parul University has emphasized that the Goa campus is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and aims to create a strong academic ecosystem rooted in innovation and industry engagement. The university’s expansion into Goa is part of a broader commitment to bridging the educational gap and ensuring that students do not need to leave the state to access world-class learning opportunities.

As the state continues to invest in education and infrastructure, the arrival of Parul University’s Goa campus adds to the growing momentum of institutions that are helping shape the future of youth in the region.

EduConnect

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Engages with NSE to Boost Financial Literacy for Goan Youth

Tanisha Cardozo

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant recently visited the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in a significant step toward promoting financial literacy and market awareness among the youth of Goa. During his visit, he engaged in in-depth discussions on initiatives focused on educating students and young professionals about stock markets, investment practices, and economic opportunities.

The visit also included a review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier between NSE and the Directorate of Higher Education, which aims to bridge the knowledge gap by introducing structured financial education in academic institutions across Goa.

Dr. Sawant emphasized that financial literacy is an essential life skill in today’s fast-evolving economic landscape. He reiterated that such collaborative initiatives will empower the next generation with practical insights into financial management, strategic investments, and understanding economic trends. The goal is to prepare students to make informed financial decisions and actively participate in the nation’s economic growth.

This move aligns with the broader vision of creating a financially aware and economically capable youth population in Goa, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and growth-oriented state economy.