Tag: experiential learning

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Don Bosco College Psychology Students Visit Sangath for Experiential Learning Session

allycaralgoa

As part of the Mental Health Week celebrations, the Department of Psychology at Don Bosco College, Panjim, organised an enriching experiential learning visit to Sangath, Porvorim, on 8th October 2025. Thirty students from SYBA and TYBA Psychology participated in the visit, accompanied by Assistant Professors Andrea D’Souza and Tabitha Fernandes.

Upon arrival, the students were welcomed by Ms. Jaya Katiyar, who provided an insightful introduction to Sangath’s vision, mission, and ongoing initiatives. Sangath, known for its pioneering work in mental health, child development, and community-based research, offered the students a close look at real-world applications of psychology.

The interactive session featured a series of talks by Sangath’s multidisciplinary team:

  • Dr. Rohit Shah
  • Ms. Vartika Jain
  • Ms. Grace Pacheco
  • Mr. Subhash Pednekar
  • Mrs. Lalan Karapurkar
  • Mr. Rajanish Haldankar
  • Ms. Trupti Payekar

Each speaker shared their professional journey, expertise, and contributions to Sangath’s wide-ranging programmes — from research and field implementation to outreach and organisational support. Students had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, deepening their understanding of mental health work beyond textbooks and classrooms.

The visit concluded with a guided tour of the Sangath premises, allowing students to observe firsthand how interdisciplinary collaboration between psychologists, researchers, field workers, and community engagement specialists leads to impactful mental health interventions.

The field trip provided students with valuable exposure to the functioning of a leading mental health organisation and reinforced the importance of empathy, community participation, and evidence-based practice in psychological work. It was an inspiring and educational experience that strengthened their connection to the field.

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Blossoming Marigolds: Sharada Higher Secondary School Students Lead Agricultural Initiative in Nagzar

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

In the Nagzar area of Bhendale Vajri Pedne, a remarkable initiative has brought education, agriculture, and community together. With the active cooperation of students from Sharada Higher Secondary School’s Agriculture Department, local villagers, and the support of the Water Resources and Agricultural Departments, a marigold cultivation project was successfully executed. Known for being low-cost, low-maintenance, and reliably productive, marigolds were chosen as the crop for this venture.

The timing of the cultivation was strategic, coinciding with the festive season of Dussehra, Diwali, and Tulsi Vivah, periods when the demand for marigold flowers is at its peak. The planning involved assessing market needs and ensuring that the flowers were harvested and sold at the right time to maximize both yield and profitability. Through this initiative, students not only learned how to grow a crop efficiently but also experienced firsthand the economic aspects of agricultural production and market sales.

Guidance throughout the project was provided by Agriculture Department teachers, including Mrs. Vrunda Naik, Ms. Shreya Bhendalkar, and Mr. Shamba Marathe, who taught students how to cultivate marigolds according to local environmental conditions. This hands-on approach to learning helped students gain practical skills that complement their formal academic education, emphasizing the importance of connecting theory with real-world experience.

The project also highlighted the value of community collaboration. Local villagers, alongside the Water Resources and Agricultural Departments, actively participated and appreciated the efforts of the students. Principal Mr. Gajanan Marathe noted that such experiential learning initiatives help maintain students’ connection with the soil and foster a deeper understanding of agriculture, ensuring that traditional knowledge and modern education work hand in hand.

By combining education, practical skills, and community engagement, this marigold cultivation project stands as a shining example of how schools can empower students to learn, earn, and grow in harmony with their environment.

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Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School Students Recreate Shivaji Maharaj’s Legacy with a Fort-Building Tribute

Tanisha Cardozo

History came alive at Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School when students transformed their campus into a tribute to the great Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. What began as a Diwali break activity soon became an inspiring journey into India’s glorious past, as students constructed a grand fort reminiscent of the mighty Maratha strongholds that once defined Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.

Under the guidance of Principal Jyoti Chipalkar and teacher Kaustubh Pednekar, the young learners meticulously designed, crafted, and built the fort — paying attention to every detail, from sturdy bastions to gateways that reflected historical architecture. The process allowed them to relive the bravery, strategic brilliance, and leadership that defined Shivaji Maharaj’s reign.

The project wasn’t just about art and craft; it was a living lesson in patriotism and teamwork. Through this creative exercise, students learned the importance of unity, resilience, and leadership — values deeply embedded in Shivaji Maharaj’s life and vision. The initiative encouraged them to look at history not as distant facts, but as a vibrant narrative that continues to inspire modern India.

Teachers and parents alike praised the students for their dedication and passion. The fort stood as a symbol of both creativity and national pride, reminding everyone of how experiential learning can bring education to life. The project also reflected the school’s commitment to holistic learning, nurturing not just academic excellence but also cultural and moral understanding.

Through this imaginative tribute, the students of Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School beautifully demonstrated that the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj continues to inspire courage, creativity, and a deep respect for India’s heritage.

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Market Mania 2025 Ignites Innovation and Women Empowerment at Dempo College

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – The Department of Economics at Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce & Economics (Autonomous) created waves of change with the successful hosting of Market Mania 2025, in collaboration with Shagun Women Empowerment. This vibrant event became a space where creativity, commerce, and community spirit came together — offering a platform for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and student entrepreneurs to showcase their products and ideas.

The event was inaugurated by Principal Prof. Dr. Manoj S. Kamat, who praised the initiative for merging learning with social responsibility. Present at the occasion were Vice Principal Prof. Sengeeta Chakrabarty, HoD Prof. Deepali Churi, and faculty members Asst. Prof. Stesa Pereira and Asst. Prof. Gouri Pankar, along with entrepreneur and SHG coordinator Ms. Mansi Govekar.

In her address, Prof. Churi emphasized the significance of such experiential learning, stating,

“These platforms don’t just promote entrepreneurial thinking among students — they provide a real opportunity for SHGs and women entrepreneurs to grow.”

Highlights of Market Mania 2025:

  • 27 vibrant stalls, including:
    • 24 by SHG women from various parts of Goa
    • 3 food stalls run by Dempo College students showcasing their innovation in food and presentation
  • Products ranged from:
    • Traditional Goan novelties and handmade crafts
    • Potted plants, crochet items, flower arrangements
    • Paintings, soft toys, sarees, dreamcatchers
    • Scented candles, coconut oil, jewellery, baked treats, and more

The bazaar-like ambience created a delightful shopping experience for students, faculty, and visitors. A distinctive aspect of this year’s event was the active involvement of students in assisting SHG entrepreneurs — helping design brochures and marketing materials to boost their visibility and stall appeal.

Faculty-in-charge Ms. Stesa Pereira and Ms. Gouri Pankar, along with entrepreneur Ms. Mansi Govekar from Bicholim, were instrumental in coordinating the event and ensuring smooth participation from SHG members.

Principal Prof. Kamat summed up the spirit of the event by stating,

“Market Mania is more than just a college event — it’s a movement. A testimony to our dedication to skill-based education, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment.”

With this impactful edition, Market Mania 2025 reinforces Dempo College’s mission of nurturing socially responsible entrepreneurs and empowering local communities through education and engagement.

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Govt College Khandola Students Experience Sustainable Farming Firsthand at Tato’s Kulaghar

Tanisha Cardozo

July 31, 2025: As part of the TY VET paper on Environment and Sustainable Development, the Department of Political Science at Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Khandola organized an insightful and hands-on study visit to Tato’s Kulaghar, Chodan.

Led by Prof. Dr. Seema P. Salgaonkar (Vice Principal and HOD) and Mr. Akbar Gaded (Assistant Professor), the field visit involved 30 enthusiastic students eager to understand sustainability in action.

Experiencing Sustainability Beyond the Classroom

Students got directly involved in:

  • 🌱 Weeding and planting paddy saplings, learning the physical demands and environmental benefits of traditional farming.
  • 🍲 Sampling local Goan staples like pej (rice gruel), tor (cooked pulses), and traditional chillies — nourishing and culturally rich.
  • 🛁 Participating in a playful yet grounding mud bath near the sluice gate, a rural rite of connection with the land.

The immersive experience bridged textbook knowledge with lived practice, deepening students’ appreciation of ecological balance, rural livelihoods, and local food systems.

“This visit allowed students to connect meaningfully with sustainable development — not just as a theory but as a way of life,” said Prof. Dr. Seema Salgaonkar.

From soil to table, and sweat to smiles, this visit planted the seeds of awareness and environmental responsibility in the minds of Goa’s future changemakers.