The Department of Psychology of Rosary College of Commerce & Arts, Navelim in collaboration with Diocesan Family Service Centre, Margao organized a One-Day State Level Workshop on “Nurturing Potential: Empowering Children With Special Needs” on 5th February, 2026 at the College Seminar Hall. The workshop started with a prayer service led by Fr. Jeronimo D’ Silva along with the students. The traditional lamp was lit by the dignitaries present for the workshop viz., the Director of the Diocesan Family Service Centre Fr. Albano Fernandes, the Administrator of the College Fr. Gabriel Coutinho, Principal Prof. Helic Barretto, Vice-Principal Rev. Prof Jeronimo D’ Silva and the HoD of Psychology/Convener of the workshop Assoc. Prof Tanya Marchon.
Principal Prof. Helic Barretto welcomed the participants and in his welcome address he said children are unique and talented and have lot of potential in them. Fr. Gabriel Coutinho in his address said that Jesus loved children. He further said the topic taken for the workshop is very relevant in today’s times and the outcomes of the workshop should reach to the larger community. Fr. Albano Fernandes said every life is very sacred and precious. He expressed his happiness and satisfaction in collaborating with Department of Psychology of Rosary College to organize this meaningful workshop. Associate Prof. Tanya Marchon presented an overview of the workshop while with the vote of thanks by Asst. Prof. Dr. Muriel de Barros brought the inaugural function to the conclusion.
The first technical session commenced after the tea break. The session was conducted by Ms. Ghislaine Dias, Recreational Therapist, Novi Survat Goa. She deliberated on the session titled ‘Strategies for overcoming challenges in transition- from home to school’.
The second session was conducted by Ms. Soraya Xavier from Caritas Margao-Goa, on the topic ‘Early identification and intervention: helping every child thrive – understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disorders (LDs) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)’
The post lunch technical session was conducted by Ms. Mylin Gonsalves, a teacher from Sanjay School, Porvorim on the topic ‘Basic interventions and therapy required persons with disabilities’.
The valedictory function commenced at 4.15pm. Fr. Jeronimo D’ Silva presented a report of the workshop which was followed by the feedback from the participants and concluding remarks by the principal. The certificates were distributed to all the participants. The vote of thanks was proposed by Assoc. Prof. Tanya Marchon. The workshop was attended by 82 participants which was very diverse in nature as they were special educators, doctors, parents, students pursuing master’s programme in psychology and in addition there were students who had siblings with special needs in their homes. It was meaningful, relevant, enriching and interacting. The workshop was hosted by Ms. Swelisha Cardoso- A TYBA student of Psychology. The workshop concluded at 4.45pm with a cup of tea.
Report submitted by Fr. Jeronimo D’ Silva