Academic Education

Academic missionary work refers to the integration of educational initiatives within missionary efforts, focusing on spreading knowledge, faith, and development through formal and informal education. It is a core aspect of many religious missionary activities, particularly in Christian traditions like the Salesians of Don Bosco, where education is seen as a powerful tool for evangelization and social transformation.

Purpose
The primary goal of academic missionary work is to provide quality education while promoting moral and spiritual values. It aims to uplift underprivileged communities by offering educational opportunities that lead to personal growth, skill development, and improved living conditions. Additionally, it fosters interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange by encouraging intellectual and ethical discussions in diverse communities.

Methods and Activities
Academic missionaries establish and manage schools, colleges, and vocational training centers, ensuring access to education in underserved regions. They develop curricula that integrate faith-based teachings with secular knowledge, helping students grow holistically. Teaching professionals and volunteers engage in direct classroom instruction, mentorship, and leadership training. Additionally, they support literacy programs, research initiatives, and community-based learning to address the specific needs of different populations.

Impact
Through education, academic missionary work empowers individuals, promotes social justice, and fosters sustainable development. It helps reduce poverty by equipping students with essential skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Moreover, it strengthens moral values and ethical leadership within communities, creating a long-lasting impact on society. In regions where education is scarce, academic missionaries play a crucial role in bridging the knowledge gap and fostering a culture of lifelong learning and development.

Our Team

Fr. Benjamin Gnananpragasam SDB
Fr. Francis Xavier SDB
Fr. Albert Lourdusamy SDB
Bro. Edwin Arockiadoss SDB
Fr. Thomas Louis SDB
Fr. Arockiam Vedamuthu SDB
Fr. Gamaliyel Francis SDB
Fr. VincentArockiaXavier SDB
Fr. Mohan Christuraj SDB
Mrs. Maria Theresa Sowmya

Reports

Province Level Programs

• Academic Sector Meet (15th June 2024, Don Bosco HSS, Pallithammam): 27 Salesians participated; Fr. Albert Johnson SDB emphasized the importance of SEPP (Salesian Educative Pastoral Project) in youth ministry.
• INT Silver Jubilee Competitions (20th July 2024, DB Thanjavur): 350 participants; successfully organized by DB Thanjavur and the Academic Commission.
• Staff Animation Program (2nd November 2024, DB Provincial House): 25 attendees trained in basic counseling skills.

National & State Level Programs

• National Level: Fr. K. P Vincent and Fr. Albert attended the South Asian Education & Culture Meet at Christ University, Bangalore (21st-23rd Oct 2024).
• State Level: Fr. K. P Vincent, Fr. Albert, and Fr. Arockiam attended the TANCEAN governing body meeting in Chennai (21st Nov 2024).

Local Level Activities

• All Schools: Celebrated major festivals, conducted competitions, leadership training, career guidance, staff training, PTA meetings, and eco-friendly initiatives.
• Few Schools: Organized spiritual programs, charity events, exhibitions, tours, vocational training, seminars, and awareness programs.

Impact Created

1. Strengthened Salesian pedagogy and student formation.
2. Fostered social responsibility and moral values among students and parents.
3. Enhanced faith and spirituality in education.
4. Improved teamwork, cultural appreciation, and extracurricular engagement.
5. Strengthened school-community relationships through parent and benefactor involvement.

Challenges in the Academic Sector

1. Resistance from some teachers in adopting Salesian pedagogy.
2. Retaining talented staff due to salary constraints.
3. Need for innovation and infrastructure upgrades.
4. Financial struggles in self-financed rural schools.
5. High transportation costs for 98% of students.

1. Overview of the Academic Commission Activities

The Academic Commission of the Salesian Province of Tiruchy organizes various educational and cultural events to enhance student development, faith formation, leadership training, and staff animation. The commission aims to strengthen the Salesian pedagogy, provide guidance, and ensure holistic education through numerous programs.

2. Key Programs and Events Organized

Educational and Leadership Programs

• Education Sector Meet – 15th June 2024 (D.B. Pallithamam, Province)
  Impact: Deeper understanding of the four dimensions and their impact.
• Leadership Training for Class Leaders – Local Events
  Impact: Leadership skills development for class and house leaders.
• Career Guidance Program for 10th and 12th Std Students – Local Events
  Impact: Vocational and career guidance for students.

School Celebrations and Cultural Events

• Silver Jubilee Celebrations – 20th July 2024 (DB Tanjore, Province)
  Impact: Unity, competitive spirit, group experience, and talent showcase.
• Various School Celebrations – Throughout the Year (Local Events)
  • Feast of St. John Bosco, Diwali, Christmas, Pongal, Republic Day, Independence Day, and Co-Curricular Competitions.
    Impact: Promotion of faith, culture, and moral values among students.
• Science Exhibition – Local Events
  Impact: Encouragement of innovation and scientific curiosity.

Staff Training and Development

• Staff Animation – 2nd November 2024 (DBPH, Province)
  Impact: Basic counseling skills for teachers.
• Educative Methods for Teachers – Local Events
  Impact: Enhancing teaching methodologies.
• Internal Complaint Committee & Child Protection Policy Seminar – Local Events
  Impact: Awareness and implementation of child protection measures.
• Province INT Level Animation for Staff – October 2024 (The Retreat, Yercaud)
  Impact: Strengthening Salesian pedagogy among staff members.

Parent and Community Engagement

• PTA Meetings & Parent Animation – Local Events
  Impact: Strengthened school-parent relationships.
• Charity Day & Fancy Fete (Share to Care) – Local Events
  Impact: Encouraging social responsibility among students.

3. Impact Created by Implemented Programs

1. Strengthened Salesian pedagogy across schools.
2. Formation of socially responsible students and parent communities.
3. Integration of faith and spirituality in school formation.
4. Promotion of teamwork and extracurricular activities among students.
5. Cultural awareness and parental involvement in school activities.
6. Positive impact through animation programs at both province and local levels.
7. Enhanced collaboration between schools, parents, and benefactors.

4. Challenges in the Academic Sector

1. Resistance to Salesian Pedagogy – Some teachers struggle to implement or are unconvinced of its effectiveness.
2. Staff Retention Issues – Frequent turnover due to salary concerns; retaining talented teachers is a challenge.
3. Need for Innovation and Infrastructure Improvement – Schools require continuous innovation to compete with others; outdated infrastructure needs revamping.
4. Financial Struggles – Rural and semi-rural schools face difficulties in fee collection, making daily administration challenging.
5. Transportation Issues – Schools rely heavily on transportation services, posing a financial burden for 98% of students.

1. Training for Teachers (Quarterly Holidays – Zonal Level)

A zonal-level Teacher Training Program will be conducted during the quarterly holidays at Madurai to enhance teaching methodologies and skill development for educators.

2. Student Competitions (October – Province Level)

A province-wide competition will be organized in October to encourage student participation in academic and extracurricular activities.

3. Leadership Training for Students (Beginning of the Year – Zonal Level)

A one-day training program will be held at the zonal level to train Class Leaders and School Pupil Leaders on leadership skills and responsibilities.

4. Academic Sector Meet (28.06.2025 – Province Level)

An Academic Sector Meet is scheduled for June 28, 2025, at Lalgudi, Trichy, bringing together all confreres working in academic schools for discussions on academic progress and policies.

5. Staff Animation Programme (July – Zonal Level)

A Staff Animation Programme will be held across three zones:

• Madurai Zone (Pallithammam) – 12.07.2025
• Coimbatore Zone (Coimbatore) – 19.07.2025
• Thanjavur Zone (Thanjavur) – 26.07.2025

This program will focus on enhancing the professional development of 10-12 staff members from each school.

6. Student Leaders Training & Animation (27.09.2025 – Province Level)

A Student Leadership Training Program will be held at the province level on September 27, 2025, where 10 student leaders from each school will participate in leadership and personality development activities.

7. Mid-Year Evaluation (29.10.2025 – Province Level)

The Mid-Year Evaluation Meeting will take place on October 29, 2025, at the Provincial House, with participation from all Academic Commission members to assess progress and strategize for upcoming goals.

8. NECDBS 2025 (05.11.2025 – 08.11.2025 – National Level)

The National Educational Conference for Don Bosco Schools (NECDBS 2025) will be held in Shillong from November 5 to November 8, 2025. This national-level event will include the Head of the Academic Commission, all HM’s, and Principals.

9. Year-End Commission Meet & Planning (07.03.2026 – Province Level)

The Year-End Academic Commission Meeting will take place on March 7, 2026, at the Provincial House, bringing together all Academic Commission members to evaluate the year’s progress and plan for the upcoming academic year.