As part of its ongoing commitment to community engagement, Poornaprajna Institute of Management (PIM) organized an outreach program at Don Bosco English Medium Senior Secondary School, Shirva, on 16th October 2024. A team of 10 enthusiastic first-year MBA students, accompanied by two esteemed faculty members, participated in the program, aimed at enriching the learning experience of school students.
The program was coordinated by Prof. Diana Saldanha, along with Prof. Shivanand Bhandarkar, the Placement Coordinator of PIM. Upon arrival, the team was warmly welcomed by Rev. Fr. Rolwyn Aranha, the Principal of Don Bosco School. In a brief yet inspiring session, Rev. Fr. Aranha shared the school’s objectives and the expected learning outcomes for the students participating in the workshops, setting a positive tone for the day’s activities.
Morning Session: Marketing Workshop
The team of 10 students was split into two groups of five, each led by a faculty member. The morning session was dedicated to conducting interactive Marketing Workshops for the 6th and 7th standard students. Through engaging activities, games, quizzes, and writing exercises, the MBA students taught key marketing concepts such as advertising, ethics in advertising, selling techniques, and the importance of discretion in purchasing. The focus was on making the material relatable, helping the young students differentiate between needs and wants and recognize common marketing gimmicks.
The school students responded enthusiastically to the interactive sessions, demonstrating a keen interest in learning more about marketing principles in a fun and accessible way.
Afternoon Session: Financial Literacy Workshop
In the afternoon, the team conducted Financial Literacy Workshops for the 8th and 9th standard students. This session was structured similarly to the marketing workshop, with the students split into two groups. The workshops introduced concepts like money management, personal finance, budgeting, investment basics, and risk vs. return. The facilitators used practical examples, activities, and assignments to make complex financial concepts age-appropriate and easy to understand.
The students learned about taxes, GST, and the importance of making informed financial decisions. Their enthusiasm was evident, as many came forward to express their appreciation and positive feedback.
Conclusion
The outreach program was an enriching experience for both the MBA students and the school students. The young learners gained valuable insights into marketing and finance, while the PIM students honed their teaching and communication skills. The success of the program highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering a spirit of community involvement.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Don Bosco School, Rev. Fr. Rolwyn Aranha, and the students for their warm reception and active participation. We also express our gratitude to Poornaprajna Institute of Management for providing such opportunities, allowing our students to make meaningful contributions to the community.
The following is the list of students who participated in the workshop:
| Name of the Student | Class & Section |
| MEDHA PRABHU | I MBA- A |
| HARSHITH R.K. | I MBA -A |
| HIMAL S KUMAR | I MBA- A |
| ALTHAF | I MBA- A |
| SHRINIDHI S RAO | I MBA- B |
| SUJAN S KUMAR | I MBA- B |
| P ABHISHEK | I MBA- B |
| RIHAL AHMAD | I MBA -B |
| DIVYA SHENOY | I MBA- A |
| AVISHA | I MBA- A |