Workshop on Soft Skills and Mental Health for Teachers by Suicide Lifeline
Mangaluru: A workshop on soft skills and mental health was held on 29th of May for the teachers at St. Theresa’s School in Bendur, Mangaluru. The day began with a prayer lead by the Vice Principal Sr. Shanti Claire followed by welcome and introduction of the members of the Suicide Lifeline Team.
Ms Usha Rao presented the session on Soft Skills with the underlying message that while technical skills may get your foot in the door, people skills are what open most of the doors. One’s work ethic, attitude, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a whole host of other personal attributes are the soft skills that are crucial for success. She pointed out that poor communication lies at the root of many problems. It can lead to mistakes, quality issues, conflict, missed deadlines and lost opportunities. That’s why it can often pay to help your people to develop their communication skills. Teachers were encouraged to discover how effective communication would transform their classrooms into a fun place to learn!
Self-Management & Attitude, wherein the teacher takes responsibility for her own actions and does things as well as he/she can, to the best of his / her ability was something that the teachers related to and were eager to practice in their day to day interactions.
The session on mental health was to spread awareness, open up the conversation about mental illness and reduce the fear and stigma surrounding it. Further, the Suicide Lifeline flyers highlighting the objectives, operations and suicide lifeline number- (0824)- 2983444 were distributed to all the teachers present. It is imperative that the teachers be provided with knowledge of the signs of symptoms of mental health issues and be aware of the resources available in times of crisis, including the risk of deliberate self-harm or suicide.
Ms. Sela proposed the Vote of Thanks. On behalf of the participants, she assured to carry out the desired objectives of the workshop for the betterment of students. Mrs. Sandra Suares and Mrs. Diana Pinto assisted Mrs. Usha Rao in conducting the activities.
Submitted by Mrs. Sandra Suares
