L.E.A.D.S. - Life Skills Empowerment for Aspiring Educators

From May 13 to 16, 2024, the Department of B.Ed. at Loreto College, Kolkata organised an enriching Life Skills Certificate Course for the teacher-trainees of Semester II and IV. The course was conducted in a blended mode with online and offline sessions. It aimed to equip the students with essential life skills through a series of interactive sessions and activities.
The workshop commenced with the introduction of the Life Skills coach, Dr. Gauri P. Hardikar, by the Head of the Department of B.Ed., Dr. Kaustuva Banerjee. Dr. Banerjee highlighted Dr Hardikar’s expansive experience and expertise in the field. Sr. Dr. Nirmala, the Acting Teacher-in-Charge of Loreto College, also addressed the students, emphasising the importance of life skills in the personal and professional spheres. A ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a prayer service on the theme of “Resilience” marked the formal beginning of the workshop.
Dr. Hardikar divided the students into groups based on the animals they identified themselves with. This fostered a sense of belonging and teamwork from the outset. The workshop’s curriculum was structured around key topics crucial for personal and professional development, including the concept of life skills, life skills models, self-awareness, social skills, and facilitation methodologies for life skills education. Each topic was explored through a blend of discussions and hands-on activities, ensuring that students could grasp the concepts thoroughly and apply them in real-life scenarios.
One of the most memorable activities involved all the students dancing together, an exercise aimed at helping them overcome their fear of judgement and enabling them to express themselves freely and confidently. A trust-building activity, which involved pairing students with peers they had not interacted with much earlier, was also deeply impactful. In this exercise, one student would close their eyes while the other guided them to the nearest tree, thereby strengthening trust and communication.
As the workshop progressed, the students reflected on their learnings. At the end of each day, they shared valuable lessons that they intended to carry forward, creating a collective repository of insights and inspirations. On the final day, the class was divided into two groups, each tasked with presenting their key takeaways from the workshop. The presentations were creative and diverse, including charts, a dance drama, a medley, and a dance performance. The innovative presentations received extensive praise from Dr. Hardikar, who commended the students for their enthusiasm and creativity.
To express their gratitude, the students presented Dr. Hardikar with a handmade thank you card, symbolising their appreciation for her guidance and the positive impact she had on their personal growth. The course was not only a learning experience but also a celebration of self-awareness and the power of collaboration, leaving a lasting impression on all participants.