Two-day workshop on Basic Techniques of Student Counseling for school teachers

As part of the several activities being implemented under the Science Awareness Programme (SAP) of the College, a two-day workshop on “Basic Techniques of Student Counseling” for school teachers was organised during 26 – 27 October 2018. The Science Awareness Programme is an initiative supported by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE). The workshop was aimed at creating better awareness among the teaching community about the biological, psychological and social aspects of the life and  behaviour of young children in schools.

The Science Awareness Programme (SAP) of the College is a brain-child of Er P K Asokan, Chief Patron of VICT. The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has sanctioned a grant of Rs 2,80,000/- for implementation of the various projects under the Science Awareness Programme under the Science Popularization Scheme of KSCSTE. Dr. Latha Raj, Director (SWS), VICT, and SAP Advisor, presented the details of the proposal before the Science Popularization Committee of KSCSTE on 19th April, 2018 at Sasthra Bhavan, Trivandrum.

As many as 39 school teachers from as many as 27 schools in Thrissur District participated in the workshop. The programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by Dr P Bhanumathy, Secretary, Association of Mentally Handicapped Adults, Thrissur. In the inaugural address, she shared her experiences in dealing with mentally handicapped children. Currently there are around 60 children in her institution. She discussed the importance of realizing the need to appreciate the talents of each person.

Mr Manohar Jawahar, District Education Officer, Thrissur, also attended the inaugural function. He was happy about the presence of around 40 teachers in the programme. He stressed the importance of counseling by teachers and that teachers should attend more such workshops. Er P K Asokan, Chief Patron, VICT, Er G Mohanachandran, Executive Director, VICT, Mr Suresh Lal, Finance Director, VICT, Dr Latha Raj, Director, Students Welfare and Social Projects, VICT, Dr V N Krishnachnadran, Vice Principal, and Ms Akhila R (AP, EEE Dept), SAP Convenor, also participated in the inaugural ceremony.

The following sessions were conducted during the workshop:

• Introduction to basic counselling and case studies discussion : Dr Latha Raj, Director SWS, VICT
• How to build self esteem : Dr P S Krishnamurthy, Consultant in Behavioural Pediatrics
• Student Mentoring : Mr Mytri Samagata, Counselor aaand Psychotherapist, and Founder Director, Innervision
• Teachers as counselors : Dr Mini Jose, Professor, Dept of Social Work, Vimala College, Thrissur

All the sessions were well accepted by the participants and they looked forward to an advanced workshop on the same.