The Counseling Cell and IQAC of St. Joseph Vaz College, in collaboration with the Diocesan Family Service Centre, organized a one-day State-Level Seminar on "The Importance of Strong Family Bonds in Building Resilient Individuals" on January 21, 2025, at Sts. Philip and James Church Hall, Cortalim. The seminar saw 75 attendees from colleges across Goa, including Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women, Nuvem; Fr. Agnel College of Arts and Commerce, Pilar; Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho, Panaji; Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim; Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda; St. Xavier’s
College, Mapusa; VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics, Margao; Padre Conceicao College of Engineering, Verna; Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Margao; St. Joseph Vaz Institute of Education, Cortalim; and St. Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim.

The event was hosted by Ms. Fey Da Silva and Ms. Jade Pereira, students from S.Y. B.Sc. The dignitaries included Rev. Fr. Albano Fernandes, Director of the Diocesan Family Service Centre, as Chief Guest and Resource Person; Rev. Prof. Simão Diniz, College Administrator; Ms. Viona Correia, IQAC Coordinator; and Ms. Aroma Diniz, Event Coordinator. The seminar began with a prayer service, lighting of the lamp, and a welcome address by Rev. Prof. Simão Diniz, who emphasized the importance of fostering family bonds and resilience. Ms. Aroma Diniz outlined the event’s structure and objectives, and Rev. Fr. Albano Fernandes discussed the challenges faced by modern families, praising the seminar’s relevance. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Viona Correia.

The seminar featured three technical sessions:
1. “Fostering a Healthier Lifestyle in the Family” by Rev. Fr. Albano Fernandes, focusing on healthy habits, mutual appreciation, and compassion.
2. “Building Effective Communication Strategies for Families” by Dr. Roshan Nazareth, covering assertive communication, family meetings, and gratitude.
3. “Strengthening Family Bonds and Relationships” by Dr. Ehrlson and Mrs. Beverly de Souza, offering practical strategies to enhance family connections.

Each session included a Q&A segment.

An interactive group activity, the “Family Resilience Tree,” was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Bolmax Pereira and Dr. Melvin D’Souza, promoting collaboration and reinforcing key seminar themes.

The seminar concluded with a valedictory session, including a comprehensive report on the event by the coordinator and a closing address by Rev. Prof. Simão Diniz. Mementos were presented to the resource persons, and participants shared positive feedback. The event ended with the distribution of certificates, a formal vote of thanks, and the singing of the National Anthem.

The seminar successfully emphasized the importance of family resilience and provided actionable strategies to strengthen familial relationships, leaving a lasting impact on all attendees.