Ponte Nova (Brazil). On 19 October 2024, O. L. Help of Christians School (ENSA) of Ponte Nova, Mina Gerais, Brazil, held the ceremony for the Innovation and Transformation Award 2024 during the Science, Culture, and Technology Fair (FECULT), Highlighting innovative projects from the Kindergarten to the 1st level secondary school.
The event was the final result of an initiative born in Mother Mazzarello Province (BMM) at the Meeting of Principals, held in March 2024 in Cachoeira do Campo, with the objective of stimulating the development of innovative educative paths, recognizing the dedicated work of educators and students who seek to broaden the horizons of basic education. In line with the parameters of the Salesian Network Brazil, the initiative values innovative solutions and continuous improvements that enrich the educative environment.
The participation of the ENSA school community was significant, with a total of eighteen registered courses: five for early childhood education, five for primary education, four for secondary education. Each sector demonstrated creativity and commitment to educational innovation, presenting projects that went beyond the use of technology, incorporating different methodologies and dynamic teaching strategies. “After months of dedication and teamwork, we have achieved our goals and are very proud of the results obtained,” affirms Marina Alves Costa Ferreira, Pedagogical Director of the School.
During the award ceremony, the school had the pleasure of welcoming Rita de Cássia Cesarino, President and Director of the Social Work Foundation Bambino Gesù, who was part of the jury. Her presence has further qualified the process of evaluating and recognizing the innovative practices presented.
Teachers responsible for the top-rated projects in each segment were awarded an Alexa smart speaker, highlighting not only their excellence in work but also their commitment to transforming the educative setting. This recognition reinforces the importance of sustainable and replicable practices that can inspire other educative realities.
The innovation concept promoted by the Award goes beyond the technological aspect, encompassing a wide range of techniques and methodologies to improve the teaching and learning process. The award-winning pathways were in line with the National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC) and had a measurable impact on students’ skills and competencies development.
The ENSA Innovation and Transformation Award is more than a sporadic celebration. It represents a constant commitment to educative excellence and integral student formation. The award-winning good practices will serve as inspiration for other schools of the BMM Province and the entire network, helping to spread even more initiatives of change in Salesian education.
“I really think it was worth everyone’s time to participate! The final result was important and everyone deserves a round of applause. How much joy success brings! Congratulations to the management team who took the proposal seriously. They were able to launch it, accompany it, encourage it, and applaud the final result,” affirmed Sister Amélia de Assis Castro, Coordinator of the Provincial Team. The Provincial Head of Education, Cristiano Prates Rodrigues, also complimented the result. “Congratulations on the good work done in the Unit at the end of the activities of the Innovation and Transformation Award. We ask God and Our Lady Help of Christians to continue to bless you on this Salesian journey.”
May the daring and courage of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello continue to be a beacon for all educative experiences, always in search of answers to current times and a life-generating presence among young people.
Source: Province BMM
