Tag: Education Innovation

EduConnect

Goa’s First Research-Based Inter-School Science Fair 2026 Begins with Teachers’ Orientation Program by BIE and AJ Academy

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Board of Innovative Education (BIE), in association with AJ Academy for Research and Development, has taken a significant step toward transforming science education in Goa with the launch of a Teachers’ Orientation Program for the state’s first research-based Inter-School Science Fair 2026. Designed for students from Classes IV to X, the initiative marks a major shift from conventional model-making to genuine scientific inquiry that encourages curiosity, analytical thinking and evidence-based exploration. During the orientation, teachers were introduced to the core objective of integrating academic concepts with real research practices from an early age. The training emphasized the importance of helping students think like scientists—asking meaningful questions, developing hypotheses, identifying variables, conducting experiments, analysing data and presenting clear, research-backed conclusions.

One of the distinguishing features of this year’s Science Fair is its emphasis on Goa-centric research themes. Topics such as coastal erosion, mangrove ecosystem health, water quality challenges, waste management, the environmental impact of tourism and mining, and issues related to biodiversity were presented as key focus areas. By working on these locally relevant themes, students will be able to apply scientific thinking to issues that directly affect their surroundings, allowing them to propose solutions rooted in research and a deeper understanding of their environment. This approach aims to make science education relatable and empowering, encouraging students to view scientific inquiry as a tool for improving their communities.

Addressing teachers at the orientation, the Secretary of the Board of Innovative Education underscored the transformative vision behind the Science Fair. He emphasized the need to “bring out the C. V. Raman, Einstein and Newton hidden in our young minds,” highlighting the immense potential within Goa’s student community. Teachers were acknowledged as the driving force behind this transformation, and the session provided them with practical guidelines, mentoring frameworks and support strategies to help students undertake impactful research projects.

The upcoming Goa Inter-School Science Fair 2026 is expected to showcase meaningful, evidence-driven projects that reflect real-time challenges faced by the state. Through this research-oriented approach, the initiative aims to ignite scientific curiosity, strengthen analytical skills and inspire young minds to explore science as a powerful tool for understanding and solving the challenges of their communities.

EduConnect

Dr. Onward O. Ognita Honored with Gawad Banyuhay Award for Transformative Leadership in Teacher Education

Tanisha Cardozo

Lauded for his transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to educational excellence, Dr. Onward O. Ognita, Dean of the College of Teacher Education (CTED) at Naga College Foundation, Inc. (NCF), was honored with the Gawad Banyuhay—Committed Education Builders Award by the Carl E. Balita Review Center (CBRC) on September 7, 2025, at the Albay Astrodome.

The award recognizes educators who embody the values of innovation, vision, adaptability, and social responsibility—qualities that Dr. Ognita has consistently demonstrated throughout his career. His leadership at CTED has brought forward significant strides in curriculum innovation, faculty development, and student engagement, making him a deserving recipient of one of the highest honors for educators in the Philippines.

The term “Banyuhay” is a blend of “bago” (new), “anyo” (form), and “buhay” (life)—a powerful concept that symbolizes transformation and growth. CBRC’s Gawad Banyuhay Award pays tribute to individuals who bring about meaningful change in education and society, guiding others through vision, action, and impact.

Dr. Ognita now joins the ranks of distinguished NCF leaders who have received this recognition. In previous years, Mr. Mario C. Villanueva, NCF President, and Dr. Stanley O. Dy, Dean and AVP for Health Sciences, were also honored for their outstanding contributions to education—under the merits of “Katatagan” (Resilience) and “Mapag-unlad na Ugnayan” (Progressive Relationships), respectively.

The entire NCF community proudly celebrates this latest achievement and extends its heartfelt congratulations to Lieutenant Dr. Onward O. Ognita, whose leadership continues to inspire a generation of educators and learners to pursue excellence, innovation, and service.

EduConnect

LeapUp-Dempo Initiative Set to Revolutionize Skill-Based Learning at Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College

Tanisha Cardozo

July 28, 2025 | Panaji, Goa: Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, an esteemed educational institution recently granted autonomous status, has taken a bold leap into the future of education. Through a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai-based edtech firm LeapUp, the college has launched an initiative designed to seamlessly integrate 30-hour online certification courses into the existing academic curriculum.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in reshaping the educational landscape of Goa. “This is more than just an upgrade — it’s a transformational move toward future-ready education,” said Prof. Dr. Manoj Kamat, Principal of Dempo College. The primary goal? To ensure students graduate with both academic knowledge and job-market-ready skills.

Courses — all offered at no additional cost — span high-demand domains like Artificial Intelligence, Equity Research, Stock Trading, Six Sigma, Financial Modelling, Lateral Thinking, and Retail Business. Students will benefit from a flexible curriculum structure that includes both compulsory and optional modules, with audit options for extra learning.

LeapUp, co-founded by CA Harshit Shah and Ronak Gala, brings to the table a powerful LMS platform, a curated lineup of industry veterans as mentors, and rigorous assessments to monitor attendance and progress. This structure ensures a high standard of engagement and skill acquisition for every student.

“This collaboration is a blend of vision and execution. We’re not just talking about future-readiness — we’re building it into the system,” said co-founder Ronak Gala. Harshit Shah added that the entire program is exclusively available for Dempo College students in Goa, with self-paced learning, live sessions, and practical assignments.

The launch event was graced by college dignitaries including Vice Principal Dr. Sangeeta Chakravorty, Dean Prof. Deepali Churi, HoD Commerce Derina Rodrigues, and faculty members Asst Prof. Amit Naik, Gilbert Mendes, Shashi Yadav, and Vishwa Pai Raikar.

The LeapUp-Dempo initiative stands as a testament to what modern education can achieve when innovation meets intent — and sets a benchmark for institutions across India to follow.