Konkan Development Society brought our Partners, Well-wishers, Staff and Beneficiaries together at the Ravindra Bhavan, in Margao to share the stories of our outreach and to express our gratitude to those who have walked with us on our journey with the marginalized and the less privileged.
Our Patron, St. John Bosco, famously said: “The ultimate test of your greatness is the way you treat every human being.” So, at Don Bosco’s Konkan Development Society there is only one border and that is Humanity!
Mr. Agnelo Fernandes, Dy. Collector South Goa, was the Chief Guest, while Mr. Nick Daly, Mr. Ravi Rebello of Commscope; Mr. Cedric Menezes of Schiffer and Menezes; Mr. Sarvesh Parab of Colorcon Asia Pvt. Ltd. Anil Gole, Duraline India, Edgar Melo Furtado, Savio Carvalho of MacBrout Engineering, Blaise Costabir, GMI Zarak moulders and Charlotte Newnes were the Guests of Honour along with other distinguished guests. Mrs. Jan Bacon, from the UK, who was instrumental in raising the bar in our two Primary Schools, through the Jolly Phonics programme, was also present.
The programme began with a Welcome by our Provincial, Fr. Felix Fernandes, followed by the lighting of the Lamp by the Dignitaries and representatives of KDS.
The evening was filled with songs, dances and tributes by our children from the various Projects, as well as testimonies from individual beneficiaries, who had been part of our Projects in the past. A Food Hamper was auctioned, consisting of snacks made by the women from our Self-Help Groups.
Our newest Project, the 24-hour children’s Helpline, called CHILDLINE 1098 was unveiled. Konkan Development Society is the South Goa Collaborative Partner of the parent NGO, Childline India Foundation. We work in tandem with the North Goa Collab. Partner, Caritas Goa. Dr. Rita Paes, the Nodal Director of Childline Goa and Sr, Divya Raphael, the Nodal Coordinator of CHILDLINE Goa, were a part of this ceremony.
Our Executive Director, Fr. Laurence Monteiro shared the progress of the various Projects and their Budgets, along with plans for the future.
Nicholas Daly, a dear friend and a very generous benefactor, with his family, had come all the way from the UK to be with us! Nick, as we affectionately call hm, shared the story of his long and loving association with KDS.
The Show Stopper of the evening was none other than our Goan Singer Sensation, Sonia Shirsat, best known for her rendition of the beautiful Portuguese love songs, Fados, who regaled the audience with some of her special songs!
Mr. Virendra Pereira from Team KDS said a heartfelt Thank You to all those who were present, as well as those who have been a great help to us but were unable to attend the function.
