Speech Training for Children Successfully Held in Belthangady at the Holy Redeemer Church Auditorium

“Providing speech training to children is extremely important, as it helps build their self-confidence,” said Rev. Fr. Walter D’Mello, Spiritual Director of the Catholic Sabha, Belthangady Zone. A special speech training program for children was organized under the leadership of the Catholic Sabha, Belthangady Zone, on Sunday, September 21, at the Holy Redeemer Church Auditorium, Belthangady.The event witnessed the active participation of around 270 children from different churches of the zone. Rev. Fr. Walter D’Mello inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp. In his address, he emphasized the importance of encouraging children in public speaking. He highlighted that such training boosts confidence, develops communication skills, nurtures leadership qualities, and inspires children to engage in social service in the future.

The main resource person for the training was Prof. Meryl Henrita Cutinha from Yenepoya University, Mangalore. She guided the children through five key aspects of effective speech delivery:

1. Standing with confidence while speaking
2. Using voice modulation to grab audience attention
3. Presenting the subject clearly and simply
4. Maintaining proper body language
5. Managing time effectively

Prominent leaders of the Catholic Sabha attended the program, including former Central President and current Political Convenor Stany Lobo (Bantwal), Zone President Albert Sunil Monis, Zone Secretary Stany Pinto, Belthangady Unit President Gilbert Pinto, and Zone Speech Competition Convener Daniel Crasta, who was also in charge of the program.Irene Sequeira introduced the guest speaker, while Daniel Crasta delivered the vote of thanks. The event was skillfully compered by Mr. Walter Monis, Vice President of Belthangady Church Pastoral Council.

Among the participants, Madanthyar Church contributed the highest number of children. In recognition of this, Vincent D’Souza, President of Catholic Sabha Madanthyar Unit, and Leo Rodrigues, former Zone President and current Second Vice President of the Catholic Sabha Central Committee, were felicitated.The speech training program was a resounding success, providing children with confidence and valuable public speaking skills, thus fulfilling the mission of the Catholic Sabha to nurture future leaders.