EMPOWERING OUR SUPPORT STAFF – AUXILIUM BARODA

On the 6 September 2025, Auxilium Baroda organized a seminar for the support staff, aimed at enhancing their personal well-being and professional effectiveness. The session was led by Fr. Chris Fereira SDB, a well-known youth animator and dynamic speaker, whose warm and engaging style set the tone for a meaningful and transformative day. Around 18 staff members participated in the seminar, which was both informative and uplifting.

The event began with a warm welcome as Mr. Ragunath Rathwa presented a sapling to Fr. Chris, symbolizing growth and renewal—a fitting gesture for a session centered on development and transformation. Fr. Chris brought a vibrant energy to the seminar, using dance, games, and interactive discussions to create an engaging and participatory atmosphere. He encouraged the workers to share their personal experiences, challenges at work, and the strategies they use to navigate their daily responsibilities.

Throughout the session, Fr. Chris touched on a range of relevant topics. He began by emphasizing the importance of personal hygiene and health, emphasizing how cleanliness plays a vital role not only in personal well-being but also in maintaining a healthy and safe workplace environment. This led into a discussion on work ethics and professionalism, where he highlighted the values of punctuality, responsibility, and mutual respect. He also spoke about the importance of teamwork and open communication, encouraging workers to resolve conflicts peacefully and with empathy.

He spoke on mental well-being and stress management and helped participants identify signs of stress and anxiety and introduced them to simple, practical techniques such as breathing exercises and relaxation methods to better manage their mental health.

Communication was another key theme. Fr. Chris guided the workers on the basics of polite and effective workplace communication, stressing the importance of understanding instructions clearly, providing timely updates, and the role of active listening and positive body language in daily interactions.

He also shed light on rights and responsibilities within the workplace, reminding everyone of the importance of maintaining dignity, clarity in roles, and fostering mutual respect. The seminar concluded with a powerful segment on motivation and self-development, where Fr. Chris shared inspirational stories of individuals from modest backgrounds who achieved great success. He encouraged the staff to set personal goals, embrace lifelong learning, and commit to continuous self-improvement.

The session ended on a genuine note, as the workers spontaneously expressed their gratitude to Fr. Chris for his time, wisdom, and sincere guidance. His presence left a lasting effect, and the day served not only as a workshop for skill-building but also as a moment of encouragement and affirmation for those who form the backbone of our institution.