ICYM Moodubelle Hosts ‘Mastering AI’ Workshop to Empower Youth in the Digital Age

By Aaron Barboza
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 23rd February 2025: In a time when Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries and career opportunities, the Indian Catholic Youth Movement Moodubelle took a forward-thinking step by hosting the Mastering AI workshop. This initiative aimed to equip young minds with essential AI skills, enabling them to seamlessly integrate AI into their education, career, and daily lives.

 

Held at Moodubelle Church, the workshop was led by Rev. Fr. Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director of Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore and a certified AI professional. Addressing the participants, Fr. Anil highlighted AI’s increasing role in shaping the future workforce. He remarked, “AI won’t replace you, but someone who masters AI will. Creativity isn’t lost when using AI as an extension of ourselves; rather, it takes human ingenuity to operate and prompt AI tools effectively.”

 

The event commenced with an insightful address by Fr. George D’Souza, Parish Priest of Moodubelle, who underscored the importance of adapting to AI-driven advancements. Aaron Barboza, President of ICYM Moodubelle, welcomed the guests, setting the tone for an engaging and educational session. The event was skilfully hosted by Dane, who served as the MC, ensuring a smooth flow of activities.

 

Unlike conventional lectures, this hands-on workshop provided participants with practical exposure to AI-powered tools, automation platforms, and creative applications. Attendees actively participated in interactive sessions, exploring different AI tools, learning how to integrate AI into their daily lives, and experimenting with various applications across multiple industries.

From AI-powered design and content creation tools to machine learning applications and automation platforms, the participants gained first-hand experience with emerging technologies. This practical approach ensured that attendees didn’t just learn about AI—they worked with it directly, making the session far more impactful and engaging.

 

The overwhelming response from participants highlighted the significance of this initiative. Many attendees admitted that they were previously unaware of how AI is transforming the world, with one stating, “I had no idea AI was this powerful. This workshop changed my perspective, and I now understand why learning AI is a must for everyone.”

 

At the conclusion of the workshop, all participants were awarded certificates, recognizing their efforts in mastering the fundamentals of AI. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Ashlita Mendonca, Secretary of ICYM Moodubelle, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event.

 

More than 85 youth and parishioners took part in the workshop, making it a significant milestone in ICYM Moodubelle’s mission to empower young people with digital literacy skills.

 

Fr. Rickson Monteiro- Assistant Parish Priest, Fr. William D’Souza from Raiganj Diocese West Bengal, Pritish D’Sa-Vice President of PPC, Charles Quadros-Secretary, Valerian Noronha-Coordinator of the Youth Commission, Dr. Judith Lobo-Animator of YCS and Nevil D’Souza-Animator of ICYM were present. 

 

ICYM Moodubelle continues to lead in youth empowerment by organizing forward-thinking workshops that go beyond traditional games and activities. By hosting Mastering AI, the organization has positioned itself as a leader in digital literacy, ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the modern world. Under the guidance of Fr. Anil Fernandes, participants gained not just knowledge but practical experience to stay ahead in an AI driven world. This workshop is just the beginning of ICYM Moodubelle’s mission to empower the youth for a brighter, smarter future.