Tag: Goa education

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.

Social

Dr. Shekhar Salkar Leads Enlightening Session on Tobacco and Substance Abuse at Dilasa

allycaralgoa

Goa | July 2025 — In a continued commitment to community health education, renowned oncologist and public health advocate Dr. Shekhar Salkar conducted a compelling awareness session at the Dyanada Swatantraysenani Laxmidas Borkar Memorial Auditorium, attended by over 125 participants including students and educators.

The lecture focused on the alarming rise in tobacco and substance abuse among adolescents, especially among young females. Dr. Salkar highlighted the increasing use of both smoking and smokeless tobacco forms, influenced by family habits, peer pressure, and media glamorization.

One of the most poignant messages was his declaration that “No smoking is the best strategy,” urging youth to never start, and reinforcing that willpower alone is often enough to quit.

He further explained the dangerous progression from smoking to drug addiction, emphasizing the interconnected nature of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Warning signs like changes in friend circles or behavioral shifts were flagged as early indicators of possible substance use.

Educators were urged to be vigilant, identify signs of student stress, and work alongside school counselors, who are now available in every institution, to ensure early intervention and support.

The lecture ended on a hopeful note, empowering participants with knowledge, clarity, and purpose to resist addiction and help others do the same. Dr. Salkar’s powerful session is sure to inspire long-term action towards a healthier, addiction-free youth in Goa and beyond.

Contest

Goa Gears Up for the 24th Shenoi Goembab Storytelling Competition – 2nd August 2025

allycaralgoa

The Shenoi Goembab Storytelling Competition, one of Goa’s largest and most awaited educational events, is back with its 24th edition this 2nd August 2025. Spearheaded by Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM), Goa, and supported by the Directorate of Official Language, Government of Goa, this competition celebrates the timeless tradition of storytelling through the lens of the Konkani language.

Over the years, the competition has grown remarkably in participation and scale. This year, it will be conducted across 19 centers in Goa, including all 12 talukas and extended centers in Shiroda, Cuncolim, Bardez, Margao, Tiswadi, and Ponda. Some schools from Salcete and Quepem are merged with the Cuncolim center due to overwhelming participation.

The storytelling contest is open to students from Classes 1 to 10, divided into three categories:

  • 1st–4th Std: 2–4 minutes
  • 5th–7th Std: 3–5 minutes
  • 8th–10th Std: 4–6 minutes

Participants are free to choose their story themes, and additional winners will be selected in centers with high participation to ensure broader representation.

More than 160 judges and 300 volunteers will be actively engaged in conducting this state-wide literary celebration, reflecting the immense popularity and cultural importance of this event.

This year’s refreshment partner, Monginis, joins hands with KBM to support young minds on their creative journey.

The storytelling competition is not just about winning prizes—it is about fostering language fluency, imagination, and confidence among young students in Goa.

Interested schools and participants can reach out to:

  • 📞 Ulhas Goankar (Coordinator): 9923765741
  • 📞 Gaurang Bhandiye (Co-Coordinator): 8552883808

“Through stories, we preserve culture. Through storytelling, we shape the future.”

For more updates, follow @kbmgoaofficial and @dirlang_goa on social media.

EduConnect

National Skill Day Sparks Creativity at Morpirla

Tanisha Cardozo

PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla, celebrated National Skill Day with great enthusiasm and a strong focus on encouraging practical learning and creativity. The event brought students, teachers, and guests together to highlight the importance of skills in modern education.

The celebration was graced by the presence of Sir Tilroy Fernandes, former Principal of Cuncolim United Higher Secondary School. In his address, he inspired students to explore their individual strengths and apply their skills in meaningful ways, both in academics and life.

Under the Apparel Made-Ups and Home Furnishing sector, students proudly presented vibrant displays of stitching, garment-making, fabric designs, and colourful charts, showcasing both skill and dedication.

In the Tourism and Hospitality segment, mocktail presentations and detailed cutlery displays drew much appreciation. Students demonstrated their understanding of basic hospitality practices and the importance of presentation.

Adding a creative twist, a fireless cooking competition challenged students to prepare delicious dishes without flame. The activity encouraged innovation, food safety awareness, and teamwork.

Each of these events enabled students to bridge theory with practice, fostering a deeper understanding of vocational skills and their real-life applications.

The celebration not only ignited curiosity and creativity but also empowered students to see value in alternative learning models. PM SHRI GHS Morpirla’s National Skill Day was a glowing success—a testament to the school’s commitment to holistic education and student empowerment.

EduConnect

St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa NSS unit Commemorates Plantation Drive – “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”

allycaralgoa

The NSS Unit of St. Xavier’s College – Mapusa, organized a plantation drive beginning on on 30th June 2025 until 7th July 2025 commemorating the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, which encouraged NSS volunteers to plant a sapling in honour of their mothers.

The event began with a brief introduction by the NSS Chief Programme Officer, Dr. Rheane Da Silva who highlighted the significance of the campaign and its message of environmental responsibility and gratitude toward motherhood. The plantation drive was formally inaugurated by the dignitaries of the college. The first sapling was planted by the Administrator, Rev. Fr. Tony Salema, followed by Acting Principal, Ms. Ursula Barreto. The Vice Principal, Prof. Filipe Rodrigues e Melo, carried out the third plantation. Guest of Honour, Mr. Vincy Quatros, a renowned Konkani writer planted a sapling, expressing his support for the cause. Dr.Raina of GVM’s Ponda enthusiastically participated in the plantation drive.

The Programme Officers, Dr. Rheane Da Silva, Mr. Sujay Rane and Mr. Rahul Naik along with the college gardeners Mr. Satish and Mr. Dessai alongside 35 NSS volunteers planted the saplings with active enthusiasm. In total, 70 saplings were planted during the drive. The sapling varieties included Badam (Almond), Gulmohar, Mango, Jackfruit, Cashew, Awla, Techoma and other native species suitable for the terrain.

The plantation was carried out in specific areas of the campus, including the periphery of the college sports ground and along the pathways to encourage shade in the future. These locations were selected to ensure the long-term visibility and the long term impact of trees to maintain a cooler temperature on campus.

To ensure proper maintenance, each sapling has been assigned to a dedicated pair of NSS volunteers who will take care of the plants throughout the year. The plantation drive concluded successfully, marking a meaningful contribution to both environmental preservation and the emotional spirit behind the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” initiative.