The Diocese of Karwar successfully conducted the Barefoot Counselling Training Programme—Phase 1 (Batch 1) for teachers from 30th January to 1st February 2026. The three-day training aimed to equip teachers with basic counselling skills to support students with empathy, understanding, and emotional maturity.

The program began with prayer led by Fr. Cyprian, followed by a welcome and keynote address by Fr. Gabriel Lopes, who also introduced the resource person. Bishop Duming Dias’ presence and inspiring words gave a strong boost to the program. The central message of the program was to help teachers grow in love for God and deepen their understanding of others, especially young people in their care.

A total of 22 teachers actively participated in the program. The program was facilitated by Fr. Joyson Sujay Vas, SJ, who guided participants through a series of interactive and practical sessions focused on personal growth and effective counselling practices.

Participants were enriched through sessions on self-discovery, group dynamics, team building, the role of teachers as counsellors, basic listening and core counselling skills, counselling processes and practical techniques, REBT therapy, behavioral patterns and common disorders, case studies and role play, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, awareness of the POCSO Act, and the self-care and emotional well-being of teachers. The sessions combined theory with practice, helping teachers develop skills to better understand themselves and respond compassionately to the needs of students.

The training concluded with reflections and opinion sharing by Leelesh Britto, Kusum Gadiga, and Montin D’Souza, who expressed their appreciation for the practical and life-enriching nature of the sessions. The program concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Christina Rozario, acknowledging the efforts of the facilitator and organizers.