EduConnect

Dr. Paulo Gomes of Fundação Oriente Inspires Portuguese Students at St. Britto High School, Mapusa


Mapusa, Goa | August 2025 — St. Britto High School had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Paulo Gomes, the esteemed Director of Fundação Oriente, for a lively and interactive session with students of Classes 8, 9, and 10 enrolled in the Portuguese language program.

In an engaging exchange, Dr. Gomes discussed the cultural significance of learning Portuguese and the opportunities that language and the arts can provide for young students. He encouraged the students to take part in “Vem Cantar”, the annual singing competition that highlights youth talent and celebrates Lusophone heritage.

But that wasn’t all. Dr. Gomes also extended a warm invitation to students and teachers to be part of the World Tourism Day celebrations organized by Fundação Oriente in collaboration with the VM Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) — an internationally acclaimed institution known for its excellence in hospitality and tourism education.

Set to be a vibrant day filled with cultural exchange, hands-on activities, and inspiring sessions, the event is a fantastic opportunity for students to connect with professionals, explore hospitality careers, and engage with global cultures — all in an immersive and fun environment.

The visit was not just a lesson in language but a call to broaden horizons, embrace global citizenship, and participate in shaping a multicultural future.

St. Britto High School thanks Dr. Paulo Gomes and Fundação Oriente for this enriching experience and looks forward to continued collaboration in building bridges through language, education, and shared cultural heritage.

EduConnect

Dayanand High School Triumphs in CSSC 7-a-Side Football League Final


In an exciting display of young talent and school spirit, Dayanand High School clinched the title in the 7-a-Side Football League Tournament organised by the Chodan Super School Complex (CSSC), defeating St. Bartholomew’s High School in a nail-biting final with a solitary penalty goal.

Held at Saude Ground, Chorao, the tournament was conducted under the leadership of Raghuvir and Premavati Salkar Higher Secondary School, Chorao, and guided by Physical Education teacher Jaganath Ghatwal.

The tournament showcased fierce competition, with St. Aloysius High School, Divar, claiming third place, and Our Lady of Divar High School, Divar, taking fourth.

The final was not just a sporting event but also a celebration of discipline, teamwork, and community engagement. The Chief Guest, Soniya Vaibhav Salkar, spoke passionately about football being more than a game – a tool for instilling discipline and building character. Guest of Honour, Geeta Pramod Salkar, urged students to view sports as a foundation for holistic development.

Also in attendance were Premanand Mahambare, President of the Chorao Educational Society, and Sandeep Sawal, Principal, who both addressed the audience on the transformative power of sports in education.

The prize distribution ceremony was hosted by teacher Luiza Pereira, who also gave a heartfelt vote of thanks to all participants and organisers.

The tournament not only highlighted the growing interest in grassroots football but also strengthened the spirit of unity and sportsmanship among member schools of the CSSC.

EduConnect

Shravan Celebrated with Culture, Nature & Joy at Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School


In the serene village of Salvador do Mundo, nestled among Goa’s greenery, Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School recently transformed into a vibrant hub of tradition and eco-learning as it celebrated the auspicious Shravan month.

The school’s educators curated a unique blend of activities that helped students experience the rich cultural tapestry and seasonal beauty of this sacred monsoon period.

Muddy Hands & Green Lessons:

The festivities kicked off with paddy transplantation, giving students a hands-on experience of farming — a ritual deeply tied to India’s monsoon rhythm. Laughter echoed across the fields as students joyfully immersed themselves in muddy soil, understanding the hard work behind every grain of rice.

Clay, Chants & Culture:

On Nag Panchami, the school turned into a cultural classroom. Students molded clay idols of the Naag deity, chanted verses in the Navnaag Stotra recitation competition, and learned the ecological importance of anthill puja and collecting patri — sacred monsoon leaves. A knowledge session on snakes helped students separate myth from reality, followed by a fun, fact-filled quiz.

Dance, Food, and Festive Joy:

Folk traditions came alive through fugadi, a rhythmic group dance that celebrates togetherness and joy. This was followed by the पावसाळी भाज्यांचा महोत्सव (Monsoon Wild Vegetable Festival), where students explored local, seasonal veggies like shevla, taikulo, and kuleeth, gaining insights into sustainable, traditional food practices.

A swing hung from a mango tree — decorated with flowers — became the centerpiece of fun, as students queued up for their turn, while others adorned their hands with mehendi, blending festivity with tradition.

A Sweet Ending:

To conclude the celebrations, students prepared and shared पातोळ्या — steamed rice dumplings filled with coconut and jaggery, symbolizing the warmth and sweetness of community living.

More Than a Celebration

The Shravan celebration was more than just a festive week — it was an educational journey. Students absorbed values of sustainability, cultural awareness, community bonding, and respect for nature. The initiative stood out for its integration of learning with lived experiences — a perfect example of holistic education rooted in heritage.

As monsoon winds rustled through the trees and laughter filled the air, the students of Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School walked away with memories, skills, and a renewed sense of belonging — to the earth and to their culture.

EduConnect

Bagless, But Not Brainless: Sunandabai Bandodkar High School Celebrates Learning Beyond Books


In a refreshing initiative, Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School in Salvador do Mundo observed Bagless Day, giving students a break from routine and a gateway into creative, experiential learning.

The day included interactive sessions such as storytelling, arts and crafts, group games, basic life skills, and awareness workshops. Teachers designed activities aimed at improving cognitive skills, communication, collaboration, and curiosity—aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020.

The initiative not only broke the monotony of traditional classroom teaching but also brought joy and excitement among students. It allowed them to learn through doing, sparking creativity and boosting morale.

The school staff and management received praise for organizing a day that both informed and inspired, building a bridge between academics and real-life learning.

📖 Explore the full story and more such educational highlights at allycaral.com
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EduConnect

Goa Embarks on AI-Powered Education: CM Pramod Sawant Launches Initiative in Schools and Colleges


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In a move that signals Goa’s shift toward future-ready education, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has announced the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a formal part of the curriculum in both schools and colleges across the state.

This initiative aims to equip students with 21st-century skills that are becoming increasingly crucial in today’s tech-driven world. Goa is among the first Indian states to take such a bold step.

At the heart of this initiative is the creation of a dedicated AI Council, which will:

  • Design updated syllabi tailored to evolving industry demands
  • Oversee teacher training in AI tools and practices
  • Promote student-led AI projects
  • Collaborate with industry leaders and research institutions
  • Support and incubate AI-based startups from young innovators

CM Sawant emphasized the importance of preparing youth for global digital transformation. “We want students from Goa to not just be job-seekers, but creators and innovators. AI education will empower them to lead in the future tech economy,” he stated.

This move aligns with national priorities like Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Skilling India, positioning Goa at the forefront of tech-education reforms.

Beyond the syllabus, this is a systemic shift in mindset — encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.

By integrating AI into mainstream education, Goa is setting a benchmark for innovation, inclusivity, and adaptability in India’s education landscape.

As the AI Council begins its work, educational institutions across Goa will see significant upgrades in digital infrastructure, teacher capabilities, and learning outcomes.

With this initiative, Goa aims not just to keep pace with global trends, but to lead India’s charge into a technologically empowered future.