Category: EduConnect

EduConnect

St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa Marks World Suicide Prevention Day with Awareness and Hope

Tanisha Cardozo

St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, commemorated World Suicide Prevention Day through a meaningful and emotionally resonant program curated by the Department of Psychology in collaboration with the Wellness Centre. The initiative brought together students, faculty, and mental health advocates in a collective call for awareness, compassion, and the normalization of conversations around suicide and mental well-being.

The highlight of the event was an insightful and empathetic address by Dr. Dhume, who emphasized the importance of reaching out to individuals during times of mental distress. His talk focused on the role of community support, the need to break the stigma around mental illness, and the power of shifting narratives from isolation to hope.

To bring the message to life, students of the Psychology Department performed a powerful street play, alongside emotionally moving dance performances and poetry recitations that echoed the day’s theme. The vibrancy and creativity on display were not just performances but heartfelt expressions of solidarity and resilience.

An affirmation tree stood as a symbolic and interactive installation where students and staff could share messages of strength, support, and self-worth. A variety of engaging activities and surprise interactions encouraged deeper reflection, community dialogue, and genuine connection. These activities created an open, supportive space for conversation around mental health—something often missing in daily academic settings.

The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Students engaged with the activities with curiosity and sincerity, while faculty praised the initiative for its thoughtful execution and impact. The event reinforced St. Xavier’s ongoing commitment to student well-being and mental health advocacy. It closed on a hopeful note, leaving behind not just memories but a strengthened sense of community, understanding, and resilience.

EduConnect

Empower Horizons: Don Bosco College of Engineering Hosts Backend Tech Workshop for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Tanisha Cardozo

Don Bosco College of Engineering, in association with its Entrepreneurship Cell, celebrated JCI Week PRISM 110 with an empowering workshop titled “Empower Horizons – Training Day”, dedicated to students with entrepreneurial aspirations. The highlight of the session was the hands-on backend tech training conducted by Mr. Vadiraj Inamdar, a Don Bosco alumnus from the 2020–2024 batch, now working as a Software Developer at Hotelhub Technology Pvt. Ltd., and currently serving as the President of JCI Ponda.

The workshop delivered a practical, industry-relevant introduction to essential backend technologies, covering Database Management, PHP Scripting, and RESTful APIs. Mr. Inamdar’s approach combined technical theory with real-world scenarios, giving students exposure beyond the academic curriculum. His journey from college student to industry professional and youth leader served as both a technical and motivational roadmap for participants.

The event was a collaborative success, bridging education and industry in an engaging and meaningful format. It inspired attendees to build technical fluency while considering their role as future innovators and tech entrepreneurs.

EduConnect

Mother’s Day Blooms at Holy Cross School Bastora with ‘Wildflower Wonders’

Tanisha Cardozo

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Holy Cross School in Bastora hosted a vibrant and heartwarming event titled Wildflower Wonders — a creative floral competition that brought together mothers and their children. The competition encouraged each duo to work as a team and express their love through the art of floral arrangement. The campus was adorned with vivid colors, smiles, and touching moments of family bonding.

Judged by the discerning eyes of Mrs. Archi Pai and Mr. Charles D’Souza, the competition saw a variety of imaginative and heartfelt creations. After thoughtful deliberation, the judges awarded first place to Melissa Crasta and her mother Sabina Crasta, whose piece stood out.

Second place went to Aradyani and her mother Ashwini Hodarkar, who impressed with their creativity and collaborative spirit.

The event not only brought families closer but also underscored the school’s commitment to fostering meaningful, creative experiences. It was a celebration of love, nature, and the special connection shared between a mother and child — all wrapped in blossoms. The day ended with applause, proud smiles, and a field full of beautiful memories.

EduConnect

Vividha HSS Amona Wins First Place in All Goa Inter HSS Ghumat Aarti Competition

Tanisha Cardozo

Vividha Higher Secondary School, Amona, proudly clinched the first position in the All Goa Inter Higher Secondary Ghumat Aarti Competition held on 9th September 2025 at Menezes Braganza Hall in Panaji. The competition was hosted by V Dempo HSS, Cujira, and brought together talented student groups from across the state in a celebration of Goan cultural heritage and traditional music.

RMS HSS, Margao, secured the second position, while Shantadurga HSS, Bicholim, took the third place. The panel also awarded consolation prizes to P. Walawalkar HSS, Mapusa, and PES HSS, Ponda, for their spirited performances.

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, who appreciated the participants for upholding Goa’s cultural roots. He was joined by Mrs. Maya Sardessai, Principal of Dempo HSS; Mr. Chetan Kavlekar, Organising Secretary; and PTA President Rajendra Verleka.

The competition served not only as a platform to showcase young talent but also to keep the essence of Ghumat Aarti alive among the youth. It highlighted the importance of cultural education and community celebration in Goa’s academic and social landscape.

EduConnect

Vibrant Goa Foundation Hosts High-Level Zimbabwe Delegation for Education and Innovation Exchange

Tanisha Cardozo

Vibrant Goa Foundation, as part of its flagship Global Knowledge Outreach initiative, played host to a high-level educational delegation from Zimbabwe on the 8th of September, marking a significant milestone in fostering global collaborations in the fields of education, technology, and innovation. The visiting delegation was led by Mr. Moses Mhike, Permanent Secretary in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, accompanied by Mrs. Olicah Kaira, Chief Director – Primary, Secondary and Non-Formal Education, and Mrs. Ashell Ruswa, CEO of Errymaple Group of Schools in Zvishavane. The visit was coordinated by Mr. Yogesh Kerkar, Managing Director of Qurious Minds, an emerging force in global educational exchange and innovation consulting.

The event, held as an Educational Round Table, brought together an array of influential voices from Goa’s academic and innovation ecosystem. Representing the Vibrant Goa Foundation were trustees Mr. Rajkumar Kamat, Mr. Arman Bankley, Mr. Manoj Patil, Mr. Vinay Verma, Mr. Rasik Naik, Mr. Dinesh Dhulapkar, Mr. Ajay Gramopadhya, Mr. Gautam Kharangate, and Mr. Milind Anvekar. Also participating were eminent representatives from Goa University, Don Bosco College of Engineering, Dhempo College, MES College, Directorate of Higher Education, Goa Institute of Management, Government Polytechnic and other leading institutions, making this gathering a truly collaborative one.

The discussions were vibrant and focused on a broad range of educational themes including the adoption of EdTech tools, STEM learning, GIS, Robotics, Drones, Learning Management Systems, and ICT solutions. The Zimbabwean delegation expressed deep appreciation for Goa’s forward-looking efforts in integrating technology at the school and university levels. The event served as a dynamic platform to explore synergies and initiate meaningful collaborations between Zimbabwe’s education system and Goa’s innovation-driven institutions.

A highlight of the discussion was the mutual recognition of the potential for long-term partnership, with Mr. Moses Mhike acknowledging the practical and strategic value of the knowledge shared during the visit. He emphasized that Zimbabwe sees Goa as a potential partner in transforming its own educational landscape. Adding to the momentum, Mr. Yogesh Kerkar noted that Qurious Minds has already embarked on a collaborative project with a Zimbabwean entity—evidence of how dialogues are translating into action.

The delegation also took note of the recent success of the Amazing Goa Summit, which further cemented Goa’s image as a global hub for innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. Mr. Rajkumar Kamat concluded the session with a forward-looking invitation to the delegates to participate in the forthcoming Global Tech Summit and Global Business Expo & Summit 2026.

This initiative reflects Vibrant Goa Foundation’s vision of driving Goa’s global engagement, supporting startups and educational institutions to expand internationally, and creating a vibrant ecosystem of innovation-led growth. The collaboration with Zimbabwe stands as a model for future partnerships, enabling the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and innovation that transcends borders.