Report on Archdiocesan Spoken English Course by Brother Domnic Savio

The Report of Spoken English Course at Pethapur

April 5^th to 25^th, 2015

The Gandhinagar Archdiocese organized the Spoken English Course from 5^th to 25^th April for the students who have just completed their 10^th and 12^th Standard.  Totally forty nine students - 21 boys and 28 girls - from eight different parishes have benefited from this course. His Grace Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes inaugurated the course with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on 6^th April. In order to check the English knowledge of each student an entrance test was conducted and according to their performance the students were divided into three classes.  The classes were named after the three latest Indian saints St. Kuriakose Chavra, St. Euphrasia and St. Joseph Vaz. There were six teaching staff members - 4 Brothers and 2 Sisters - under the inspiring leadership of Fr. Xavier James who guided the students throughout the programme.  Each class was taken care by 2 staff members. They were Srs. Sherly, Dipti, Brs. Prabu, Dominic, Sugesh and Naiman.

The students began the day with the Morning Prayer followed by the Holy Eucharist. Every evening they had singing practice followed by the recitation of the holy Rosary where they took active part in praising and thanking the Lord. They had 5 classes per day for learning Basic English Grammar.   Apart from learning English, much importance was given to the faith formation; some basic knowledge about the Holy Bible, Sacraments, Eucharist, The precepts of the Church, The Ten commandments, The Seven Steps of praying the Word of God were part of their curriculum. The students were also inspired by the sharing of the vocation journey by the brothers and sisters.

Every alternative evening the students put up beautiful cultural programme in English which helped them to grow in their self confidence and also to recognize their hidden talents. In order to make the process of learning English more interesting the students had creative classes every afternoon in which they participated in the active learning in their respective groups. In order to see the progress of each student weekly tests were conducted and the weaker students were given special attention. The evening time was allotted for sports and games.  On 19^th April the children were taken to a park in sector 28 where students relaxed and enjoyed togetherness with each other’s company. Making English as the compulsory medium of language for prayers, Holy Eucharist and cultural programme gave them the atmosphere of English.  The students were encouraged by the Fathers, Brothers and Sisters to communicate only in English.

The highlight of the course was on 24^th April with a colorful cultural evening. The Archbishop graced the occasion with his presence and encouraged the students to continue to learn English and to practice the values taught during the course. The programme was well prepared with the help of Brothers and Sisters.  Everyone who witnessed the programme enjoyed and appreciated the children for their wonderful performance. On 25^th morning with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist the course had come to an end. (Br Dominic Savio)