imcsap.org – Bangladesh Catholic Students’ Movement (BCSM) organized “Christian Leadership and Capacity Building Training-2023” in collaboration with Caritas Development Institute (CDI), Dhaka, and with the members of 8 dioceses of Bangladesh, from March 23 to March 26, 2023,  at the Caritas Development Institute (CDI), Dhaka, with 36 participants. The opening mass was offered by the National Chaplain of BCSM, Fr. Bikash James Rebeiro, CSC.

Several instructors provided sessions and facilitated group activities in this four-day training. Mrs. Prova Lucy Rozario delivered sessions on “Leadership Concepts and Importance of Leadership”, “Leadership Behavior, Innovative Thinking, Motivation, and Influence Skill”, “Advance Communication and Team Building” and “Stress Management”. 

Sessions on “Planning and Decision Making Style” and “Program Organizing, Minutes & Report Writing” were delivered by Mr. Ferdinand Perera, Faculty member, CDI. Adviser of the National Executive Committee as well as the Coordinator Training (Marketing) of CDI, Mr. Chayon Hubert Rebeiro shared a session on “Career Development: Doubts, Directions & Answers”. 

“Advocacy, Lobbying and Networking” was discussed by Mr. Swopnil Louis Cruze, President of the BCSM. “Methodology of BCSM” was discussed by Mr. Victor Jayanta Biswas, General Secretary of BCSM. Session on “Youth Leadership and Role of BCSM in Church Activities” was delivered by the Treasurer of BCSM, Ms. Pauline Shrabani Baroi, and Publication and Media Secretary, Punno Francis Rozario.

“Challenges & Overcoming Strategies for Developing Youth Leadership in the Society & the Church” was discussed by Mr. Patrick Drishya Purification, Former President of BCSM. While His Excellency Archbishop Lawrence Subrato Howladar, CSC, Chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Youth, discussed the theme of the training.

In addition to the modules already mentioned, the training also focused on the importance of spiritual growth and development of the leaders of BCSM. Participants were encouraged to deepen their relationship with God through devotion, prayer, and study sessions. During training, Holy Masses were offered by Fr. Nayan Lawrence Gosal, Chaplain of Dhaka BCSM, and Fr. Peter Channel Gomes, National Director, PMS. 

“Christian Leadership and Capacity Building Training-2023” concluded with the evaluation of the training by the participants and through the distribution of certificates and felicitations. The training had positive impacts on participants, with many stating that they had gained new insights and skills that they could apply immediately in their leadership roles. They also appreciated the opportunity to connect with other Christian leaders from different parts of Bangladesh, and the chance to learn from one another.*