Puducherry, 10 November 2026: Deepagam – Don Bosco Catechetical Centre for Faith Formation and Value Education conducted a school animation program for the students and teachers of Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Tagore Nagar, Puducherry. The animation team consisted of Rev. Fr. Jesudoss P.SDB, Mrs. Pauline Rose and Mr. Joseph Bernard. The school has a student strength of approximately 800.

The morning sessions for students from Classes VI to XII focused on personal growth, building a sound society and nurturing healthy relationships. In the session titled “How to Build a Strong Self,” Mrs. Pauline Rose guided the students towards developing a positive self-image, recognising their strengths and talents, accepting their uniqueness and appreciating the experiences that shape their lives. The session encouraged students to overcome negative self-perceptions and grow in confidence, gratitude and personal responsibility.

In the session “Building a Sound Society,” Mr. Joseph Bernard helped students understand their role in creating a caring, respectful and responsible society. The session emphasised the importance of empathy, mutual respect, healthy relationships and social responsibility, encouraging students to become positive influences within their families, friendship circles, schools and communities.

This was followed by a guided reflective session on “Healing Hurts in Relationships,” animated by Mrs. Pauline Rose. Students were led through a personal reflection to recognise emotional hurts arising from their relationships with family members, friends and others. They were encouraged to acknowledge their feelings, let go of resentment, embrace forgiveness and take meaningful steps towards emotional healing and healthier relationships.

In the afternoon, Mr. Joseph Bernard animated the students of Classes I to V on “How to Build Self-Esteem.” Through age-appropriate reflections and interactive activities, the younger children were encouraged to recognise their self-worth, appreciate their abilities and develop confidence in themselves. The session highlighted the importance of self-acceptance, positive thinking, respecting others and believing in one’s ability to learn and grow.

Rev. Fr. Jesudoss P.SDB animated the teachers on the principles and methods of Salesian accompaniment. He emphasised the vital role of educators in accompanying children through the personal, emotional, social and digital challenges they encounter today. Drawing from the Salesian spirit of reason, religion and loving-kindness, he encouraged teachers to go beyond academic instruction and become caring, approachable and attentive companions in the lives of their students.

The teachers also engaged in group discussions centred on three important questions:

1. What are the major challenges faced by students in schools today?
2. How can teachers accompany students more effectively and remain available to them?
3. What are the obstacles to effective accompaniment in schools?

The program encouraged students to grow in self-acceptance, confidence, emotional well-being, forgiveness and social responsibility. It also renewed the teachers’ commitment to creating a nurturing school environment where every child feels valued, understood and supported. Rooted in the Salesian educational approach, the initiative sought to foster the holistic development of young people, enabling them to become confident individuals, compassionate friends and responsible members of society.