Education and Exams during the Pandemic

The academic year 2020 to 2021 was like no other as it was a predominantly Online Year with most classes conducted virtually due to the Pandemic. It has been a year of confusion due to closure of schools, exploration of new online methods of teaching and learning, and finally moving to a hybrid format with classroom lectures when cases reduced. Evaluation also happened in a hybrid way, with some assignments submitted online and others conducted in class between January to April.

However just as people were prepared to answer their exams the second wave halted the system which led to canceling exams and opting for alternative methods of evaluating students. While this was seen as a good preventive measure by some, others complained as the purpose and final assessment of the process of learning would be missing this time. The previous academic year ended abruptly and states across the country will soon commence a new academic year. The experience of an incomplete education process continues to trouble the smooth functioning of a celebrated education system.

Instead of looking forward to a year that ends with exams and announcement of results that compares students, now we have a system that teaches students online and see’s exams being cancelled at the end of the process. Are exams the only purpose of education? No. Education is about learning, understanding, research and analysis. Probably it is a good time to reflect about the actual purpose of education. Do we send children to schools or colleges and teach them because we want to see them score good grades or because we want them to learn, think, reflect, be empowered and facilitate change? What is greater? the process of learning or the evaluation outcome.

Exams have caused a lot of havoc in people’s lives with mental health problems due to the trauma caused by competition. Instead of celebrating good grades of students and passing performance of institutes we need to celebrate the adoption of new methods of teaching and learning, new experiences shared through the online world and the ways we managed the pandemic.

St Dominic Savio: A role model for youth in Goa

As Published in The Goan- the link https://www.thegoan.net/tg-life/st-dominic-savio-a-role-model-for-youth-in-goa/68998.html

Dominic Savio is one of the youngest saints in the Catholic Church. He is known as a special student of Saint John Bosco (Don Bosco). His Feast is celebrated on May 6 every year. He is revered as the patron saint of students, choirboys, juvenile delinquents, and falsely accused persons.

He was both meek and wise in terms of understanding the Scriptures just as his name, Dominic (of the Lord) Savio (wise). He was known for strange behaviours not observed among many his age. Besides his devotion, he would stop people from speaking offensive language, settle disputes and accept the blame for acts of his classmates so that they could improve instead of being punished by those with authority.

In regular times and particularly under the guise of the pandemic, we see some like him. In a world so engulfed by substance abuse and lack of faith among the young, there are those who choose to be different.

Amid a partying crowd, there are those volunteering and working. Among people so glued to loosely available entertainment, there is a person participating, singing and reading during the Eucharistic Celebration at Church. Also as people engage in gossip and mischief, there are those who choose to read the scriptures, learn a new skill and help in community service.

INFLUENCE IN GOA

To mold children in the footsteps of St Dominic Savio, the Salesian community in Panaji started a Kindergarten named after their favourite young saint.

Two years ago, the management of Calangute People’s High School by the Calangute Education Society was handed to the Konkan Development Society. This school which caters to economically weaker sections of society was named after Dominic Savio, a saint who came from an economically backward background but received education in the portals of Don Bosco as he was filled with grace, wisdom and love for Jesus Christ.

The Salesian Fathers in Goa also aim to give young lads who are eager learners an opportunity to develop themselves academically.

Similar services are provided at the primary schools in Odxel and Dabolim and the Open School in Parra.

The Aspirant Programme at Panaji also welcomes young boys filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit to study at their school and simultaneously prepare themselves for priesthood just like Dominic Savio wanted when he joined as a student of Don Bosco.

In recent times, amid the despair that continues to threaten social harmony, peace and livelihoods, there are young people like Dominic Savio who want to be a change in society. We see them in the youth who appeal for a pollution-free and environment-friendly world. They are the volunteers who have worked to help people during quarantine time in the pandemic. They are voices who want unity and spread awareness about human rights amid the thunderstorms of division, discrimination, injustice and violence. May St Dominic Savio always guide the youth of our country and world.

Why is Covid19 a concern for Millennials?

7 April is celebrated annually as World Health Day by United Nations. This is the second time we recognize the significance of this day amidst a pandemic. Covid 19 cases have reached an alarming rate in terms of the number of cases and deaths in the second wave as well, despite the roll out of the vaccines. There is an increasing demand to facilitate vaccination for millennials apart from senior citizens and boomers. Why is it a concern? First, the rate of transmission in terms of number of cases. Two, the possibility of death. Hence it has alarmed people to take necessary precautions, because this is not some regular sickness for many. Studies conducted in the beginning showed that the above reasons were a cause of concern for the older people in general with specific concerns to those with comorbid conditions. But as the number of cases are rising and the lockdown period is being extended with some places imposing stricter lockdowns after the new wave of cases the concerns about millennials and their health with reference to Covid 19 is an emerging topic for research studies. The general belief of the past was that youngsters are always fit and healthy, but the data shown by Covid 19 has challenged this old belief with rising rate of infections and deaths seen amongst the younger population. But what could this be? Why are youth of the current generation so vulnerable in health despite living in a modern and advanced world.

Here are some possible reasons to ponder about which have been ignored in terms of millennials and healthcare.

1. Millennials- always in transit and modern day nomads

The millennial population begin moving away from home at a young age for study in states outside their hometowns. Unlike their older generation that began moving out for work, these people begin their stay away early. This also means that they have to experience change in eating habits. This calls for a shift in dietary patterns that are different from the traditional diet of essential regional nutrition. The body that received required nutrition from regional and cultural cuisines finds it difficult to adjust and adapt to the new pattern. The new pattern also lacks certain nutrients that the body received earlier. A migration usually takes place from rural to urban. Millennials who had grown up amidst less polluted, natural spaces suddenly have to adjust to the concrete and polluted setting of the city. This adjustment means a huge strain on the body to cope with this change.

• Changing pattern of farming

Farming pattern has changed in India. Currently farmers use modern methods for procurement of seeds and growing crops. They have stopped traditional methods. While this shift has given them a large produce, it has changed the way food tastes in India. Every person would relish the roti/ chapatti (Indian flatbread), dal (lentils) and dishes prepared with millets earlier. However, these do not have the similar delicious taste now. This has happened due to the incorporation of modern methods of farming, that has subsequently robbed traditional food of their taste. This along with the need to constantly maintain a good body image leads to lack of essential vitamins and minerals as seen in millennials.

• Shift from a local to global diet

The first point states how a change in dietary habits can ruin the nutritional needs of a human body. But millennials have no issues with this change. They are accustomed to a global diet. A millennial eats burger, pizzas, pastas and fried food that is easily available and has accepted this shift. But while the mind shows acceptance, it is difficult for the body. The body constantly feels deprived of essential nutrition even as the mind is happily habituated with this change, thanks to good convincing advertising and media consumption since childhood. This makes the millennial obese/ overweight but without required nutrition, thus leading to diabetes at an early age. So while some face the problem of lack of essential nutrients as seen in point two, others are challenged by access of non-essential food.

• Increased stress since young age

The older generation might argue about the increasing levels of stress in millennials. According to the former generation, the latter has not experienced the after effects of de-colonization and rebuilding, so what are they stressed about. They might have not had to deal with grief due to poverty, but they have the burden of a competitive world since childhood. Older adults feel that as millennials have the privilege of no extreme poverty they need to be burdened by the constant battle to score good grades. They are pressurized since young primary school students to chase good scores. Good marks are seen as a justification for earned respect and greatness in society. To achieve this, millennials are in constant battle with each other to attain the top position in society, as anything less than the top is seen as worth nothing. So while in school and college millennials are constantly chasing good grades. Later they use this formula to define their self-worth in professional spaces by constantly chasing projects, promotions and paychecks. While it is not certain if their scores or position improves, it is certain that this increases blood pressure that leads to hypertension, a major reason for heart disease in millennials. Competitive spirit means millennials learn to be ruthless rather than people of integrity with strong value systems. They despise each other which leads to conflict in relationships and emotional burden, thus contributing to numerous mental health issues.

• Lack of enough time and modern lifestyle

Millennials complain about lack of proper time for anything. Their working and academic hours have increased. They are constantly chasing one project after the other, one deadline after the other. They are busy socializing with friends and family to maintain relationships. This chase leaves less time for rest. Also modern day socializing comprises of engaging in substance abuse through increased consumption of alcohol and drugs. Thus millennials ruin their health and physical endurance by engaging in such behavior rather than spending time in self-care.

These are the various reasons that millennials can’t afford to take their immunity level for granted in the battle to deal with the virus and exercise caution in a suitable way for continued good health.       

Don Bosco – a saint of hope and a role model for the youth

The article was written on the Feast Day as a special request on behalf of the Salesian Community at Panjim Goa for publication.

Link of The Herald-https://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Don-Bosco-%E2%80%93-a-saint-of-hope-and-a-role-model-for-the-youth/170454

Link of The Goan- https://www.thegoan.net/perspective/saint-role-model/65000.html

Located at the heart of the city and a place bustling with activity, the Don Bosco Campus at Panjim is an alternative home for many and so January 31 is a special day, though it is not red in most calendars. It is the feast day of Saint John Melchior Bosco, lovingly known as Don Bosco. He died on January 31, 1888 in Turin, but since his beatification in 1929, and more so after his canonisation in 1934, he has been immortal for all associated with his work. Being born in 1995, certainly I haven’t met this beloved saint, but through my journey as a student at the Higher Secondary School in Panjim, with the mentoring of the Priests and teachers, it was like a personal spiritual encounter with Don Bosco. Meet anyone, young or old, past pupil or benefactor, they will definitely have a personal story to tell about this dear Saint. 

This love and optimism for the Saint serves as a great opportunity while we see a post pandemic resumption and recovery. The climax of Don Bosco’s life as a friend and father of youth was during the industrial revolution. Jesus Christ called fishermen and with them fished out and built a strong community of faithful. Likewise, John Bosco brought together all the young people who were astray due to the perils of an industrialised society and trained them at the Oratory. I recall attending the feast mass last year when we did not expect our country to be affected by the Pandemic. This year as we celebrate the feast, at least all devotees of Don Bosco have the opportunity to participate in the Mass due to the declining cases and the hope of the vaccine, after following all the Standard Operating Procedures. This is a sign of hope. A post pandemic recovery would mean seeing every person as equal just as Don Bosco saw the youth at his oratory. You can be saintly like Dominic Savio or any juvenile delinquent, but according to Don Bosco, you need a supportive environment to let go all the previous shortcomings and grow. He coined the term, “Preventive System of Education”. According to this system, young people need to have access to education, an environment to learn and opportunities to perform and grow in life. These threesome aspects will keep all the negativity at bay and thus prevent them from harming themselves and others. 

The Pandemic has been a challenge for all, particularly the youth who have been deprived of their carefree life. Yet the spirit of a Don Bosco way of life tells us that if we support the youth with the required opportunities, they can grow and perform without being prey to social ills. Focusing on learning and providing the right environment for people to feel hopeful about the future is the key now. Leaders and teachers in the world can learn good mentoring skills from Don Bosco, like a magnet who attracted young people to be good and responsible citizens. Similarly, at Don Bosco’s people found personal mentors as Priests and teachers. The young need an environment where all are encouraged and rewarded like the oratory that helps the youth to learn skills useful for life. In the world today, the youth need to feel encouraged to perform with an environment that promotes equality rather than greed, discrimination and intolerance. Don Bosco also encouraged people to play and move amongst nature, the world today needs to understand the relevant role of nature to sustain future generations and promote livelihood that is good for the environment and economy. It is only when the young feel safe and are encouraged and given opportunities in life, they can perform to their fullest and reach their highest potential of self-actualisation which can be achieved through mentoring in a proper environment. 

Don Bosco has been a role model in various ways. As a spiritual guide he encouraged people like Dominic Savio and Mary Mazzarello in their journey to holiness as he inspires all the members of the Salesians of Don Bosco and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians today. As a master communicator, his charismatic personality drew people closer to Jesus and goodness which is essential in a world that has unfortunately been plagued by misinformation and biased communication. As a prudent protective person he wanted the youth to have access to the required environment to grow just like the Don Bosco Campus in Panjim that provides students from kindergarten to post-graduation the opportunity to learn and the oratory and ground that allows them to hone their skills as artists and sportspersons. As an artist of humanity he always showed love to the downtrodden and less fortunate as it can be seen with the work done by Don Bosco Night School at Panjim, Margaret Bosco Bal Sadan at Ucassaim and Konkan Development Society at Odxel in the Panjim Province. All these characteristics made Don Bosco a vibrant person and a loving Saint to all. 

“Walk with your feet on earth, but heart in heaven”, is a famous quote by Don Bosco. May the world be inspired with such a spirit of optimism on his feast day.