A three-day Faculty Development and Enrichment Programme (FDEP) was conducted for the staff of St. Joseph’s Evening College from November 4 to 8, 2019. 36 staff members were taken to Divine Springs Retreat Centre in Canacona, South Goa.

The FDEP programme was a combination of informative, interactive sessions, along with fair share of group discussions, reflection, and sight -seeing. The resource person for the sessions was Rev. Fr. Brian Pereira SJ, Rector of St. Joseph’s Institutions and Director of SJEC. Fr. Pereira explained the concept of Strategic planning and Ignatian Spiritual Conversation and the same was put to practice by the staff members in small groups. Other important sessions included an elaborate and comprehensive report on the college by the Principal of SJEC, Dr. Albert Joseph Smith; and a quiz on SJEC and Jesuit legacy by the quiz master and IQAC Co-ordinator, Dr. Kanishka.

The staff members enjoyed visit to a few prominent places in Goa such as Jesuit’s Basilica of Bom Jesus which holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, Palolem beach, Xavier Centre of Historical research, Bogmalo beach, Madgaon market, among others. “It was an enriching, enriching and a new experience,” said the Principal, Dr. Albert Joseph Smith. “ The group dynamics of the staff were enhanced. It was a memorable event for the staff of SJEC. The spiritual conversation by Father Rector was an eye-opener to all the staff not only to benefit them in day to day practices in the college but also to help them introspect and do some soul searching of them. We are all thankful to father Rector and the management for this once in lifetime opportunity,” Dr. Smith added.

Dr. Radhika, Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication shared her opinion regarding the FDEP. “The whole faculty development programme was knowledgeable and also a spiritually enriching experience for all the staff members. It helped us to know more about the JESUITS and Ignatian Principles which is known for the holistic development of the faculties, staff, students and every member of the Jesuit Institution,” said Dr. Radhika. Back