REPORT ON CAREER GUIDANCE TALK ORGANISED BY LESA

The Loyola Ex-Students Association (LESA) successfully organized a Career Guidance Talk for the Tenth Standard students of Loyola High School on Saturday, 2nd August 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Held on the school campus, the event aimed to expose students to a variety of professional fields and help them make informed decisions about their future careers.

The programme featured four distinguished speakers, including two proud alumni of Loyola High School, who shared their personal and professional journeys:

1. Ms. Madhuli Karmalkar – Marine Biologist and Scuba Diving Instructor

2. Mr. Shafiq Costa Pereira – CEO of FIT for LIFE, a pioneer in promoting swimming and fitness awareness across Goa, and an alumnus of Loyola

3. Inspector Ms Percy Coutinho – Officer, Regional Transport Office (RTO)

4. Col. Jesus Furtado – Commanding Officer, 1st Goa Battalion, NCC, and former student of Loyola High School

The event began with a welcome address by Mr. Trevor Coutinho, President of LESA.

The speakers were introduced as follows:

Mr. Shafiq Costa Pereira by Mr. Trevor Coutinho, President of LESA

Ms. Madhuli Karmalkar by Mr. Armindo Gonsalves, Vice President of LESA

Inspector Ms Percy Coutinho and Col. Jesus Furtado by Mr. Vernon Xavier, Member of the Managing Committee

A special highlight of the event was a brief and inspiring address by Fr. Jimmy Mendes, SJ, Vice Principal of Loyola High School and Province Coordinator.  Fr. Jimmy shared reflections on his vocation and calling to the Jesuit priesthood. He encouraged students to be bold, curious, and open to where their passion leads them, while commending LESA for organizing such a meaningful initiative.

The session was engaging and interactive, with speakers offering in-depth insights into their professions, career paths, and the values that shaped their journeys. Students participated enthusiastically and benefited from the practical guidance offered.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Armindo Gonsalves, Vice President of LESA, followed by the presentation of tokens of appreciation to the speakers by the Head Boy and House Captains.

Several LESA Committee Members were also present at the event, including Mr. Rui Cruz, Mr. Raul Vas, and Mr. Steve, whose presence reflected the strong support of the alumni community.

The Career Guidance Talk was a well-received and inspiring initiative, reaffirming LESA’s commitment to supporting the academic, personal, and professional growth of Loyola students.

The Programme Coordinator for the event was Mr. Vernon Xavier.