Tag: therapy

EduConnect

IGNITE 1.0: Overnight Leadership and Communication Boot Camp

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism organised IGNITE 1.0, an overnight leadership and communication boot camp held on 6 and 7 December 2025 at Salesians of Don Bosco, Odxel. Designed around the theme of “learn, unlearn and lead,” the camp aimed to strengthen students’ communication abilities, teamwork skills and interpersonal growth. A total of 23 students from the FY, SY and TY batches participated in the programme.

The camp opened with a session on problem-solving, critical thinking and social etiquette, where students were encouraged to understand their core selves, communicate effectively and recognise how perspectives differ among individuals. Interactive activities, including a team-entangling challenge, highlighted leadership, patience and collective progress, while also drawing attention to the role of body language, social cues and respectful communication.

The second session focused on leadership, teamwork and time management, using collaborative exercises to demonstrate the importance of coordination, clear goals and working toward a shared vision. Students were encouraged to dream ambitiously while learning how effective time management supports both personal and professional growth. The day concluded with a shared barbecue dinner and recreation, fostering bonding and camaraderie.

The second day began with a morning beach activity followed by a reflective prayer session that emphasised balancing future aspirations with living meaningfully in the present. Students were reminded of the determination required to pursue purposeful goals while remaining grounded in the moment.

A session on building meaningful connections highlighted the importance of authenticity, active listening and empathy in both personal and professional relationships. Through guided reflection and interactive exercises, students explored self-awareness, emotional resilience and the question of personal identity.

The final session centred on kindness and empathy, encouraging students to reflect on their place in the world, their awareness of others and how their individual skills can contribute positively to society. Through paired discussions and thoughtful activities, participants were guided toward a deeper understanding of compassion and responsibility.

IGNITE 1.0 concluded as a meaningful and transformative experience, offering students a safe and engaging space to develop essential life skills, strengthen bonds and grow as future communicators by learning, unlearning and discovering themselves along the way.

Health

Occupational Therapy: Empowering Goans to Live Life Independently

Tanisha Cardozo

In Goa, where community care and compassion are woven into everyday life, health and independence carry deep meaning. For many Goans recovering from illness, injury, or disability, even simple tasks such as dressing, writing, or returning to work can become challenging. This is where Occupational Therapy plays a vital role, helping individuals rediscover their independence and quality of life through creativity, care, and science.

Occupational Therapy is a holistic healthcare profession that enables people to live meaningful lives by regaining the ability to perform everyday activities. Contrary to what the name might suggest, it is not about finding employment but about engaging in daily occupations — the essential actions that bring purpose, such as self-care, learning, leisure, and work.

Occupational Therapists approach healing by focusing on the person as a whole — the body, mind, environment, and goals. Through purposeful activities, adaptive devices, and individualized exercise programs, they help people rebuild movement, coordination, confidence, and independence.

This dynamic field encompasses several areas, including orthopaedic rehabilitation, neurosciences, paediatrics and NICU care, mental health, geriatrics, oncology and palliative care, ergonomics, and community-based rehabilitation. Occupational Therapists serve across hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, and community programs — supporting individuals of all ages.

This year’s World Occupational Therapy Day 2025 theme, “Occupational Therapy in Action: Transforming Lives, Building Communities,” captures the essence of this profession. In Goa, therapists like Dr. Vailanki Nazira Raposo at Goa Medical College exemplify this mission by working hand in hand with doctors, educators, and families to ensure holistic, patient-centred healing.

Occupational Therapy is more than treatment; it is empowerment. It is about enabling individuals to regain control, rebuild identity, and reconnect with their communities. As Goa continues to advance in healthcare, the contribution of occupational therapists remains vital — enabling independence, enhancing quality of life, and empowering Goans to live with dignity and purpose.