On November 06, 2024 Professional Approach to Catechetical Education (PACE) program on “Emotional Literacy and Catechesis” was conducted at Deepagam for eleven teachers from various Salesian schools of Chennai region. The morning session by Fr. Ravi Aruldass SDB, Director of Niraivagam, highlighted the importance of “Emotions” in the Bible and its influence in the spiritual life of an individual. The teachers appreciated the session and felt the need to reach-out many students and teachers in their schools.

The second part of the day was on Forum theatre, a street art therapy by Mr. Selvendhiran, Associate Director of Niraivagam, whose activity highlighted the deeper connection with God.

Catechetical Themes that were dealt with are:

• Understanding Creation: Participants discovered the significance of their own creation, recognizing the inherent value and worth of their existence.
• Self-Reflection and Awareness: Through art, participants explored their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, cultivating a greater sense of self-awareness.
• Self-Realization and Actualization: The workshop empowered participants to recognize their strengths, weaknesses, and passions, enabling them to align with their true potential.
• Connecting with God: The activities facilitated a deeper understanding of one's spiritual connection, fostering a sense of purpose and meaning.

On November 07, 2024 Professional Approach to Value Education (PAVE), a workshop on “Emotions and Value Education” was conducted for ten teachers from various Salesian schools of Chennai city at Deepagam Catechetical center. The first session highlighted the importance of emotions and its influence in the life of an individual towards to the formation of one’s values. The teachers appreciated the session and felt the need to reach-out many students and teachers in their schools and help them become aware of their emotions and process them well.

The second part of the day was on Forum theatre by Mr. Selvendhiran, Associate Director of Niraivagam, whose activity highlighted the below points through art based therapy.

• Emotional Awareness: Participants discovered how to recognize, understand, and label their emotions.
• Emotional Regulation: Practical strategies were shared to manage emotions, reducing stress and anxiety.
• Responsive Decision-Making: Participants learned to respond thoughtfully to challenging situations, rather than reacting impulsively.
• Positive Thinking: Effective techniques were explored to reframe negative thoughts, cultivating a positive mindset.
• Resilience Building: Participants developed coping skills to navigate adversity and bounce back from setbacks.

This is the fourth session of six-month long program. PACE-PAVE Participants meet every month and Deepagam conducts one-day catechetical sessions that covers Academic Challenges, Psychological and Ethical Dimensions, Content and Method of Catechesis. Catechism and Moral Teachers hail from in and around Chennai.