From Hills to Horizons: A Mission to Transform Education

From the quiet lanes of Mangalore to the misty hills of Kalimpong, Fr. Felix D’Souza’s journey is rooted in faith, service, and an unshakable belief in the transformative power of education. His vision has turned St. Stephen’s Academy into a model of student-centered, values-driven learning. Mentor Magazine features his unwavering service to education in the teacher’s month special issue. 

The Journey 

My educational journey began in Mangalore at the Local Parish School under the Catholic Diocese, guided by revered Rev. Fathers. A diligent student, I embraced academics and co-curricular activities with equal enthusiasm. Teachers like Mrs. Renilda Pereira, Rev. Sr. Ancilla, and the late Rev. Fr. William Fernandes deeply influenced me with their simplicity, dedication, and selflessness. 

Classroom learning built my academic foundation and life skills, while part-time work to fund my education instilled self-reliance and responsibility. Shaped by my teachers’ and parents’ guidance, I grew into a self-made individual with determination, dedication, and self-control. My down-to-earth nature and hard work have anchored my strong sense of purpose. Guided by the belief that “Being fully human and fully alive gives full glory to my Creator,” and inspired by the motto “I got much, and I shall give more,” I strive to live for others with passion and purpose. 

This conviction led me to pursue further studies, and I ventured out to the hills of Darjeeling to study at St. Joseph's College, North Point. I earned degrees in Graduation, Masters in English and History, B.Ed., and MBA in Human Resources Management. Additionally, nine years of priestly studies in philosophy and theology have profoundly shaped me into the person I am today. With a strong sense of purpose, I'm committed to educating children and living a life of selflessness and service, driven by spiritual conviction and a desire to give back to society. 

The Hills 

As a young priest of the Diocese of Darjeeling, I was entrusted with the mission of education. I explored various teaching and learning methodologies from around the world, visiting eight countries and studying their educational systems. These experiences broadened my perspective. I realised the limitations of traditional teaching which heavily relied on rote-learning methods. 

Determined to make a qualitative difference, I adopted interactive, hands-on, and inquiry-based methods of teaching and learning; a student-centered learning, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and skill development approach. When St. Stephen's in Kaffer, Kalimpong was founded, this innovative approach was introduced, incorporating multiple skill-based co-curricular activities. 

Although the system was new to the community, teachers, and students, I was fortunate to have the support of committed volunteers like Mrs. Renee and Mr. Bryan. Together, we pioneered a creative and attractive system of education that has since evolved into a thriving model.

Educare 

A creative approach to teaching and learning aims to empower every child to be 'fully human and fully alive.' I believe that each child possesses unlimited potential, which can be nurtured and actualized through the right guidance and support. The Latin root of 'education' - 'educare' - means to bring out, and this resonates deeply with this philosophy. 

At St. Stephen's, we've adopted a system that motivates students to lead, serve, and excel through mutual fellowship, human formation, and selfless service. These are done through interactive, hands on and enquiry based teaching and learning processes.  Our goal is to foster responsible individuals with leadership qualities, a selfless approach, and a commitment to excellence. 

We strive to create individuals who will respond to the challenges of a materialistic world with compassion, empathy, and humanity. By focusing on the holistic development of our students, we aim to shape them into leaders who will make a positive impact in society, guided by sincerity, honesty, and a deep sense of responsibility. 

Challenges & Hurdles 

Education should spark joy and nurture inner happiness through engaging interactions, hands-on activities, and curiosity-driven learning. At St. Stephen’s, we blend academics with practical skills to prepare students for a rapidly evolving, AI-driven world—empowering them with the confidence and capabilities to reach their full potential and excel in life. 

While introducing this innovative approach was initially met with skepticism, our perseverance and commitment to quality education have paid off. Over time, the community has come to appreciate the value of our unique system, recognizing that it provides students with a distinct edge. As a result, our students are emerging as leaders with a service-minded attitude, poised to make a positive impact in the world. 

St Stephen’s, Kaffer 

"St. Stephen's Kaffer was born out of the persistent requests of the local community for an ICSE school that would bring quality education to the area. After years of deliberation, the Diocese finally took up the cause, recognizing the people's eagerness for an educational venture that would make a difference. 

When I arrived in Kaffer, the area was largely undeveloped, with limited educational resources and infrastructure. However, with the enthusiastic support of the local community, we were able to turn the vision into a reality. The community's involvement was instrumental in planning, organizing, and implementing the project. Their dedication and ownership of the project were key to its success. I attribute the project's outcome to the blessings of God and the community's unwavering support. 

Today, St. Stephen's Kaffer is a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit. The local community's happiness and support are a direct result of their involvement and commitment to the project. Today, we can proudly say that the education provided by St. Stephen's Academy has transformed the face of Kaffer and the surrounding areas, leaving a lasting impact on the community. 

Our System 

Education needs to be a happy experience. The secret to making 'happiness an inside job' needs to be inculcated in every child while learning in school, possible through Happy Learning Experiences. They need to be collected and imbibed from day-to-day experiences from classroom interactions, hands-on experiences, and enquiries with curiosity. 

At St. Stephen's Academy, Kaffer, we've successfully implemented learning approaches, aligning with the NEP 2020's vision. 

Our approach focuses on: 

Activity-Based Learning: Hands-on experiments and projects, promoting critical thinking and creativity.

Enquiry-Based Learning: Investigating real-world problems, developing problem-solving skills.

Interactive Learning: Collaboration & discussion of ideas with peers and teachers, fostering a sense of community. 

Our Strategies: 

Project-Based Learning: Integrating multiple subjects to provide a holistic understanding.

STEM Education: Hands-on activities and experiments to develop scientific temper.

Flipped Classrooms: Students learn concepts at home and work on activities in class, optimizing classroom time. 

Our Philosophy 

Our philosophy centers on leading, serving, and excelling through fellowship, human formation, and selfless service. By fostering practical skills and values, we help students become “fully human and fully alive,” ready for a changing world. Embracing NEP 2020’s focus on holistic growth, flexibility, and critical thinking, we create student-centered environments that inspire creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning. 

Conclusion 

To aspiring educators, treat education as: 

A Vocation: it’s not just a profession, but a calling to empower and impart life to students, helping them become fully human and fully alive. 

A Transformation: Education is about shedding away darkness to light, untruthfulness to truthfulness, and death to life. It's a journey of self-discovery and growth. 

Global Citizenship: Aim to create worthy global citizens who value pure and safe environments, and strive to make a positive impact in the world. 

Quality Education as a Gift; the best that can be given to a growing child, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to succeed in life.

Education should instill self-control, self-respect, and a positive self-image, preparing students to lead, serve, and excel. These lessons affirm its power to shape futures and the educationist’s role in guiding potential.