- 09 October, 2025
Goa, October 9, 2025 – Catholic education leaders stressed the importance of collaboration among students, teachers, parents, and support staff at the 56th National Convention of the All India Association of Catholic Schools (AINACS) held at the Park Regis Convention Centre, Arpora, Goa, highlighting the need for an inclusive and socially responsible education system. The convention featured a panel discussion on “Stakeholder Management,” where experts shared insights on engaging all stakeholders and fostering holistic development in schools.
“Education Must Prepare Children for Life, Not Just for Exams”
Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive and Secretary, CISCE, New Delhi, highlighted that the child is the most important stakeholder in education. He stressed the importance of recognising each child’s uniqueness through close interaction with the child and their family, adding, “Counselling is a must.” He noted that education should develop analytical skills, resilience, and adaptability in teachers, preparing children for life rather than exams.
Addressing the challenges of stakeholder engagement, he said, “Bringing different stakeholders together — parents, society, and regulatory bodies — is one of the most challenging tasks for school leaders.” He urged schools to foster trust, collaboration, and long-term vision, stating, “No reform is possible without taking parents into confidence… most parents today know only the language of marks.” Dr. Emmanuel also highlighted the significance of social-emotional skills, career guidance, and activity-based learning under the New Education Policy (NEP).
“Engaging Students and Stakeholders for Holistic Growth”
Fr. Viju CMI, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Christ University, Bengaluru, discussed generational differences, noting that higher education students are mostly Gen Z, while school children are primarily Gen Alpha, who are highly tech-savvy. “We are not natives in technology; they are,” he observed, emphasising the need for interactive and technology-enabled learning. He stressed that teachers are critical stakeholders, advocating trust-based governance and relational professionalism.
He also urged meaningful engagement with parents and student councils, highlighting the entrepreneurial and creative potential of students through participation in clubs, task forces, and independent problem-solving. Fr. Viju additionally emphasised data privacy, legal compliance, and the well-being of support staff, noting that attention to staff positively impacts student outcomes. “Where higher stakeholder engagement occurs, we see better outcomes, not just grades, but social, emotional, and entrepreneurial growth,” he concluded.
“Bridging Educational Inequities and Fostering Social Justice”
Fr. Dr. A. Sahaya Philominraj SJ, Director, IDEAS, Madurai, reflected on the state of education in India post-1991, observing that the rise of private institutions and limited funding — only three percent of GDP — has excluded “a vast majority of this nation’s children from the purview of standard education.” On the New Education Policy (NEP), he said, “This policy is really killing… it is going to exclude a vast majority from mainstream education,” echoing concerns raised by Tamil Nadu’s Education Minister.
Using a vivid analogy, he compared education to Indian trains, where only those who can pay receive quality schooling, leaving the marginalised behind. Highlighting the Church’s role, he stated, “Now the Church’s education is slowly withering away,” stressing Jesus’ concern for marginalized communities. Emphasising social justice, equity, and holistic development, he asserted that Catholic education must aim to form socially conscious, empathetic, and engaged citizens, particularly among marginalised groups such as Dalit women and sanitary workers.
The panel discussion underscored the urgent need for schools to meaningfully engage all stakeholders — students, teachers, parents, and support staff — to foster an education system that is inclusive, socially responsible, and capable of nurturing the next generation of creative, empathetic, and active citizens.
By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD
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