A one-day Student-Leader Workshop for the elected student leaders of the Salesian schools of the Province of Panjim-Konkan was successfully conducted on June 25, 2026 at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Odxel. The workshop brought together 60 student leaders from Don Bosco Panjim, Don Bosco Oros, and Don Bosco Tuem, who have been elected to serve their respective schools during the academic year 2026–27.
The workshop was animated by Father Ralin De Souza, SDB, provincial councilor for youth ministry and rector of Don Bosco Engineering College, Fatorda.
The programme commenced at 9:30 a.m. with a warm welcome to the participants. In his introductory session, Father De Souza reminded the student leaders that they are part of something much larger than their individual schools. Highlighting the global presence of the Salesians, he shared that Don Bosco’s mission extends across 132 countries, making every student a member of the worldwide Don Bosco family. He explained that the purpose of bringing together leaders from the three schools was to strengthen this sense of belonging and to foster unity among young leaders of the Province.
Throughout the day, Father De Souza conducted a series of interactive sessions that emphasized experiential learning. Through engaging icebreakers, group discussions, and team-building activities, students had the opportunity to interact with their counterparts from the other schools, build new friendships, and learn collaboratively. Each activity concluded with meaningful reflections that helped participants identify and understand the essential qualities of effective leadership.
Following lunch, the participants were divided into five groups, with each group assigned two creative tasks. The first task involved preparing a chart presentation highlighting the qualities of a good leader, while the second required the groups to build the tallest possible tower using only newspapers and simple stationery materials. To ensure that every participant experienced both activities, the groups were further divided into two sub-groups that worked on the two tasks simultaneously before exchanging activities. These challenges tested the students’ creativity, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving skills. The participants enthusiastically embraced both exercises, making them among the most engaging and enjoyable sessions of the workshop.
At the conclusion of the programme, Father De Souza announced the winners of the various group competitions conducted during the day.
On behalf of all the student leaders, Miss Arya Tate of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Oros, proposed the vote of thanks. She expressed gratitude to the resource person for his innovative and inspiring sessions and thanked the Provincial House community for their warm hospitality and generous arrangements. Father Melwin Ferrao, SDB, principal of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Oros, also expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Principals of the three participating schools, thanking everyone who contributed to the success of the workshop.
The workshop concluded with the student leaders returning to their respective schools enriched with new insights into leadership, strengthened friendships across the Province, and a renewed commitment to lead with dedication, responsibility, and the Salesian spirit of service.
Student Leaders from Three Salesian Schools Come Together for Leadership Formation Workshop
