"Every child you encounter is a divine appointment; understanding their journey is the first step towards guiding them with wisdom and compassion."

Don Bosco High School, Matunga, in collaboration with Don Bosco Prafulta Centre for Psychological Wellness, conducted its first Teacher Enrichment Programme for the academic year 2026–27 on 11 June 2026. The programme centred on the theme “Understanding Stages of Development – A Personal and Students’ Perspective.”

Separate sessions were held for the Pre-Primary and Primary teachers and the Secondary section teachers. The resource persons were Ms. Deepal Jain for the Pre-Primary and Primary sections and Ms. Shalu Mehrotra for the Secondary section.

The sessions explored the three stages of emotional development—0–7 years, 7–14 years, and 14–21 years—highlighting the emotional needs and developmental milestones associated with each stage. Through real-life examples and personal reflections, the facilitators enabled teachers to gain a deeper understanding of both their students and themselves.

Moving beyond developmental theory, the programme encouraged educators to reflect on their own life experiences, helping them appreciate the emotional and developmental needs of children and adolescents with greater empathy and insight. The interactive sessions provided practical strategies for nurturing students’ emotional well-being while supporting their future aspirations and career development.

Key takeaways from the programme included:

●     Identity is shaped by values, self-awareness, relationships, and future aspirations.

●     Children learn primarily through observation, and adults may unknowingly inhibit their initiative.

●     Academic achievement alone does not define competence or potential.

●     “When children feel right, they behave right,” emphasising the importance of acknowledging and validating children's emotions.

Ms. Shalu Mehrotra also introduced the Emotional Development and Career Guidance Programme that will be implemented in the school during the academic year.

The programme reinforced the importance of continuous personal and professional growth among educators in order to respond effectively to the evolving needs of students. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Ms. Rochelle D’Souza, Pre-Primary Supervisor, and Ms. Natasha D’Souza, who expressed their gratitude to the resource persons for their insightful and engaging sessions.

The programme served as a meaningful beginning to the academic year, reminding teachers that understanding a child’s developmental journey—while reflecting on their own—is essential in creating a nurturing environment where every student can flourish.