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Chennai

Salesian Institutions Explore Participatory Models of Higher Education

7 September 2026

Education College,

News reported by: INM

A three-day workshop on “Participatory Models of Higher Education” was held at the Salesian Provincial House, Citadel, Chennai, from September 1 to 3. It aimed to equip leaders and educators with participatory approaches to leadership, dialogue, decision-making and collaborative action in higher education.

The workshop was inaugurated by Fr. L. Don Bosco, SDB, Provincial of Chennai, who underscored the importance of leadership that listens, involves and empowers people. Fr. Maria Antony Raj, SDB, Secretary of DBHEI-SA, introduced the programme's objectives and methodology and explained how participatory models could be applied effectively in higher education. He also thanked the Youth Ministry Department for organising the workshop.

The first day focused on the World Café methodology, enabling participants to engage in small-group conversations on significant issues and questions concerning higher education. This interactive format encouraged participants to share experiences, insights and perspectives while fostering inclusive dialogue.

The second day began with a special address by Fr. John Alexander, SDB, who reflected on leadership and the need for participatory approaches in addressing contemporary institutional and social challenges. The sessions then introduced the Open Space method, which allows individuals to raise concerns, questions, and issues for collective discussion rather than follow a rigid, predetermined agenda.

The final day focused on the Consensus Workshop, a structured approach that brings together diverse ideas and viewpoints to help groups identify common priorities and arrive at collective decisions.

The programme also introduced the ORID Method, a participatory framework for structured reflection and discussion. This methodology emphasised observing and reflecting on a situation before interpreting and making decisions.

Sessions were conducted by Mr Shirish Sebastian, Fr. Maria Antony Raj, SDB, and an overseas resource person.

The workshop brought together 58 participants from 12 Salesian higher education institutions in the Provinces of Chennai and Trichy. The programme was coordinated by Fr. Praveen Peter, SDB, Commission Head for Higher Education, and facilitated by Fr. Stanley Ignatius, SDB, Province Delegate for Higher Education. His facilitation sustained the workshop's participatory character and encouraged active engagement among participants.