The St Joseph Vaz Institute of Education, Cortalim- Goa, organised a six days camp to Kulem for the first-year D. El. Ed teacher trainees from December 5th to December 10th , 2023. This was a mandatory component of the curriculum as prescribed by the S.C.E.R.T. Prior to the commencement of the camp, correspondence was dispatched to the parents or guardians of the students providing them with information regarding the whereabouts and duration of the camp. Further the management divided the teacher trainees into groups and assigned
responsibilities to ensure smooth functioning of the camp.
5th December 2023 (day 1), which marked the beginning of the camp, the teacher trainees were instructed to gather at the Margao railway station at 7; 30 am. Subsequently, the students embarked on the train and arrived at the Kulem railway station by 9; 50 am. From there, both the students and the accompanied faculty members proceeded to the ultimate destination that is Krishi Udyog, Kulem which is overseen by the Pilar fathers. Upon reaching the final destination, the first activity conducted was ‘Drink without fire’ where the teacher trainees were grouped together and tasked with preparing a beverage. Following this activity, Ma’am Steffi Fernandes, an in-house lecturer briefed the students with the guidelines of the street play. Additionally, Prof. Allan Abreo, the coordinator of D. El. Ed, delivered an insightful talk on the 'Significance of Collaboration'. The camp also included activities such as
Shramdhan (voluntary work) and the recitation of the rosary which were practiced daily throughout the duration of the camp.
On 6th December 2023 (day 2), the agenda for the day included visiting different schools where the teacher trainees organised Christmas craft activities for the students. After completing the activities, the teacher trainees returned to the dormitory, where they had their snacks and lunch. Following the meal, a talk on ‘women’s health’ was presented by the resource person, Ma’am Ashwini Naik Dessai.
On 7 th December 2023(day 3), there were two notable events that took place. The first consisted of a talk on ‘Panchayati Raj’ delivered by Sir Pravin Gad, who served as a resource person for the same. Later that day, at 5;00pm, a nature’s walk was arranged along the river side. Upon returning, the participants resumed their regular activities, including shramdhan, rosary and recreational activities.
On the 8th of December 2023(day 4), the day kicked off with the arrangements for the campfire. That evening at around 4; 30 pm, the teacher trainees presented their street play performance at Kulem market. Upon arriving back to the Krishi Udyog premises the Pilar fathers hosted a mass for the students and teachers in the chapel. Following the service everyone gathered outdoors by the campfire site where various games and activities were organised.
On the 9th December 2023(day 5) the morning commenced with a rejuvenating yoga session organised by Sir Infancio Correia, an in-house lecturer. This was followed by two recreational games, i.e. controlled handball and controlled cricket. After the winners of both the games were announced, a delectable lunch was served. Subsequently, Sir Ratish Gaonkar, another knowledgeable in-house lecturer, delivered an enlightening talk on Medicinal Plants.
Once the talk concluded, an invigorating aerobic session was conducted. Later that day, at around 8:30 pm, the highly anticipated advertisement competition took place. Following the competition, prizes were distributed, and the day ended early in the preparation for the next day.
On the 10th December 2023(day 6) everyone had to wake up at 4:30 am to board the 6am train to Margao. The train reached Margao railway station at 8; 00 am, and from there, everyone made their way to their respective homes. The camp concluded on a positive note, with the enjoyment of delicious food, the establishment of new friendships and the creation of cherished memories.