Boarding Schools’ Association of India (BSAI) workshop 18-Aug-2024

Unison World School organized a workshop on psychological wellness and financial literacy for boarding school teachers and students on 18th August. The event saw participation from 19 schools, including ten from Dehradun and nine from outstation locations such as Mayo Girls’ and Boys’ Schools in Ajmer, Sanskar Valley in Bhopal, and Scindia School in Gwalior. A total of 28 students from these schools, along with students from Unison World School, benefitted from the expert-led sessions. The program commenced with an opening ceremony, where dignitaries lit the ceremonial lamp, followed by a welcome address from Principal Dr. Mona Khanna. In her speech, Dr. Khanna emphasized that these sessions would equip students with the values and skills needed to become independent and responsible citizens, capable of making informed financial decisions. Mr. Vinay Pandey, one of the founding members of BSAI, praised the meticulous planning of the event and highlighted the importance of the knowledge gained from these workshops on mental well-being and financial literacy. The BSAI Session on "Unlocking Financial Literacy," provided participants with essential insights into financial management. The session began with Mr. Sunil Upreti from NCFE discussing the foundational pillars of investment: safety, growth, and liquidity. Mr. Navneet Batra from Bandhan Asset Management elaborated on investment strategies, emphasizing on the impact of inflation, the time value of money, and portfolio diversification. Ms. Anupama Dimri from Canara Bank then explained various banking services and highlighted the importance of awareness regarding frauds and scams. Finally, Mr. Shiven Kumar from Kotak Mahindra Bank focused on money management and budgeting for young adults, guiding students on planning their finances for future endeavors. The BSAI Workshop for Counsellors on "Embracing Wellness," brought together counsellors from 19 boarding schools for an enriching day of learning and professional development. The sessions covered a wide range of topics crucial to both student and counsellor well-being. Dr. Veena Krishnan emphasized on the importance of understanding diverse student needs and fostering inclusive environments, while Dr. Sakshi Mehrotra introduced various counselling models through interactive role plays. Col. Alankar Bhardwaj discussed ethical practices and legal guidelines, particularly in child protection, and Ms. Binu Thomas provided strategies for handling challenges, enriched by real-life case studies. Dr. Shaurya Garg concluded the workshop by focusing on counsellor self-care and managing stress, underlining the connection between personal wellness and effective student support. The sessions concluded on a positive note, offering valuable learning experiences for both students and teachers.