Konkan Development Society in collaboration with Don Bosco Network South Asia held a food distribution program for the vulnerable families affected by the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. This project was sponsored by Sony. 549 families were provided with a dry ration kit. 549 families were also provided with a Medical Home Isolation Kit. The distribution of the kits was held in the months of July and August 2021. This was an initiative to help the vulnerable families who lost their livelihood due to the second wave lockdown.
District Childline South Goa conducted an Awareness Rally on the occasion of International Day against Trafficking. The Rally began at 8.30, with a short talk on Human Trafficking, how it is affecting us and how we are responsible to report any trafficking activities we come across. The Rally then moved out of the KTC bus stand onto the main Highway. The NSS Units of Carmel College Nuvem and Rosary College Navelim participated in the Rally. Placards were displayed, slogans were recited and people were made aware.
Refreshments were distributed to the Participants. A total of 52 students participated in the Rally.
The second session of the Toddy Tapping Workshop had a great response with more than a dozen new participants joining in. We had two traditional toddy tappers sharing their knowledge with us – Laurence Martins from Tuem and Francis Pereira from Goa Velha.
The session started with Mr Miguel Braganza with his encyclopedic knowledge about agri-flora sharing tips about pest control and general care for the coconut tree.
We then had a session on the toddy tapping process done the traditional way. The participants were given a close view of the live process along with detailed explanations.
There was also a session on coconut tree climbing using the climbing gear with proper safety precautions.
The highlight of the afternoon was the fresh Coconut Toddy available for all to taste. This was followed by a sumptuous lunch of traditional Fish Curry and Rice.
The participants now have an active WhatsApp group where they continue to exchange information and the experts continue to guide them. Some participants are already successfully tapping toddy and we hope to have more successes as we go along.
The 24th batch of the BEST (Bosco Education & Skill Training) Centre, Shirahatti – Karnataka completed the 3 month course on 31st January 2023. This batch had a very large number of young women students enrolled for the skill training facilities offered by the Centre.
Computer Class
This batch of students was taught basic computing software like MS Office, typing and functions of the P.C. In the Advanced computer batch the students were taught Tally.
Number of Beneficiaries:
Total Number: 43
Basic Computers: 35
Tally: 8
Tailoring Class
The new batch for Basic tailoring class was taught simple and complex stitching techniques, taking precise dress measurements, making seamless clothes, alteration and creating dresses of different shapes and designs.
For the advanced tailoring batch the students used the Industrial sewing machines and were given enhanced knowledge of handling fabrics, sewing and the ability to alter patterns.
Number of Beneficiaries:
Total Number: 45
Basic Tailoring: 30
Advanced Tailoring: 15
An evaluation test was conducted to ascertain the level of learning of the students.
This is a 3 month certificate course for both Computer and Tailoring classes. The students who complete this course receive a certificate which can help them in their future career.
On the occasion of the 77th Independence Day of our country, a Poster/Animation making competition was held for the students. It was an Inter-Centre Competition. The students had to prepare a poster or an animation on the theme of “Independence Day”.
The students were given the choice to create the Poster/Animation in any software they had learned or used so far. Much to our satisfaction, the students came up with very creative and innovative ideas in their Posters/Animations.
The following were the results of the competition:
1st Place – Kiran Aladakatti (Calangute Centre)
2nd Place – Ashish Saini & Alfan Attar (Baina Centre)
3rd Palce – Suraj Vishwakarma & Raja Sonu(Zuarinagar Centre)
2 Consolation Prizes – Pavitra Boli & Jyoti Ashodi (Baina Centre) and Arshad Kawalgi & Nazmeen Hirapur (Chimbel Centre)
Beside these we also gave prizes for the best Poster/Animation created within the Centres, one for each batch of children per Centre. The competition has had a positive impact on the students which has not only brought out their creativity but also inculcated the spirit of healthy competitiveness.
A week – long summer camp was organized as a joint venture by the Konkan Development Society (KDS) and the Salesian Community of Don Bosco Parra, at St. Dominic Savio High School, Calangute, from 3rd to 13th April, 2023. The Camp aimed at fostering team spirit, developing leadership qualities and inculcating values among the students. The programme was outlined and carried out by Clerics Darryl Cheradil and Steve Rodrigues, with the help of the Teachers and other lay collaborators. The Camp was packed with activities like fun games, art and craft, music and dance and other group activities.
There was active participation and enthusiasm on the part of the students. They enjoyed the activities and were very vocal in expressing their sentiments of gratitude. This was the first time a summer camp has been organized at the school by the Salesians, after taking over the School in 2019.
Towards the end the Students were given prizes and awards on the basis of their participation. The Headmaster and the Teachers were also grateful to the Salesian Fathers, Fr. Francis Silveira (the Province Economer and the Director of Konkan Development Society), Fr. Banzelao Teixeira (the Vice- Provincial), Fr. San Carvalho (the In-Charge of St. Dominic Savio High School) and Fr. Wilfred Fernandes (the Rector of Don Bosco Parra).
Overall it was a great event for both the students as well as the organizers!
The School Annual Day was held on 7th February 2020, at the Dinanath Mangueshkar Hall, at Kala Academy with great elation and gusto. The evening began with the compere, Mrs. Sonia Figueiredo, welcoming the audience, followed by the Captains of the four houses i.e. Mayank Gomes from the Yellow house, Viraj Kurtikar from the Blue house, Rohan Kankonkar from the Red house and Mangesh Shirodkar from the Green house, escorting the Chief Guest Fr. Jose Sequeira and the other dignitaries to their seats. Students of the Pre-Primary section welcomed them with flowers.
The programme commenced with a prayer dance by the girls of class 4, followed by the Chief Guest garlanding the statue of St. Don Bosco, in the presence of the Manager of the School, Fr. Clive Telles, the Provincial, Fr. Felix Fernandes and the Rector Fr. Tony Alemao. Fr. Clive officially welcomed the guests and the parents.
The cultural programme unfolded beautifully, with the little ones from the Nursery staging 2 traditional Goan folkdances.
Next were the students of the Lower Kindergarten, who presented two catchy numbers, “Chadda” and “Inna Meena Dicka,” followed by two dances of the Higher Kindergarten, one which showed that we have to eat healthy food and not junk food and the other a lively dance number.
Mrs. Priti Salgaonkar read the Annual Report for the academic year 2019-2020. She shared the recent changes in the School Management and the programmes and activities held during the academic year.
The children of Std. 1 put up items based on the environment, after which Fr. Jose Sequeira addressed the gathering.
This was followed by the Prize Distribution. The Chief Guest gave away the prizes to the academically deserving students of 2018-2019.
The students of Std. 2 staged a beautiful dance telling the audience to avoid cutting trees and to engage in planting of trees to make the earth greener and more beautiful.
The boys of Std. 4 put up an item on “saying No to plastic”. It encouraged reduce, reuse and recycle plastic and warned that the earth has very little time before it would be choked on all the plastic.
The final item of the evening was a colourful performance by the students of Std. 3 which brought out the theme of the Annual Day, “Over the Rainbow”. It started with a skit on the story of the Rainbow where all the colours began to fight, arguing about who was the best, finally realizing that when they all come together they looked even more beautiful than a single colour. It also tells us that a rainbow stands for unity and hope and when we work together we can all be beautiful like the rainbow. The item ended with the students of Std. 3 dancing to a Rainbow song.
One of the highlights of the evening was a surprise dance by the Teachers, who danced to a remix number of English, Hindi and Konkani songs.
In the end all the students along with their Class Teachers came up on the stage, while the theme song “Over the Rainbow” by Louis Armstrong was played.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by the Manager, Fr. Clive Telles. He thanked the Chief Guest, the dignitaries and the parents for being present for the entire function and watching it enthusiastically. He also thanked the people on and off the stage for putting up a beautiful and a successful Annual Day.
Independence Day, a symbol of freedom and unity, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at all seven NRSTC (Non Residential Special Training Centres) Centers. This celebration marked 76 years of India’s independence from British rule. The day was not just a commemoration but an opportunity to instill a deep sense of national pride and responsibility among the students and teachers who participated in the festivities.
Event Highlights:
Student Involvement:
A total of 245 students from the seven NRSTC Centers actively participated in the Independence Day celebrations. Their involvement was a testament to their commitment to the values and principles that our nation stands for.
Teacher’s Inspirational Messages:
The 14 dedicated teachers at each center played a pivotal role in these celebrations. They inspired the students by emphasizing the nationalistic spirit and the significance of being responsible citizens. The teachers also highlighted the youth as the true wealth of the country, instilling a sense of purpose and responsibility among the students.
Educational Competitions:
To promote a sense of patriotism and creativity, various educational competitions were organized at each Center. These competitions included:
– Slogans: Students showcased their creativity and patriotism through compelling slogans that captured the essence of independence and unity.
– Speeches: Participants eloquently expressed their thoughts on the significance of Independence Day and the role of youth in nation-building.
– Poems: Heart-touching poems were recited, reflecting the love for the nation and its rich cultural heritage.
– Storytelling: Engaging stories were shared, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices made during the journey to independence.
– Patriotic Songs: Students enthralled the audience with melodious and patriotic songs that stirred emotions and kindled a sense of national pride.
Recognition and Awards:
To acknowledge the exceptional talents and efforts of the participants, prizes were awarded to the best performers in each competition. These awards not only celebrated their achievements but also motivated them to continue striving for excellence.
Independence Day celebrations at NRSTC Centers were a resounding success, instilling a deep sense of patriotism and responsibility among the students and Teachers. These activities align with our organization’s mission to foster education, skill development, and empowerment within marginalized communities, building a just and empowered society.
The celebration of India’s 76th Independence Day served as a reminder of our commitment to creating a society that values human rights and human values, empowering individuals to shape their own future. We look forward to more such events that contribute to the holistic development of our communities.
The Zuarinagar Morning Study Centre for children is a happy, happening place, where 30 children from Std. 1 to 4, from underprivileged families living in the Zuarinagar shanties, are provided with a safe and pleasant learning opportunity while their parents are away at work. These children go to formal School in the afternoons.
Two Teachers give them help in their School subjects and ensure that they are able to tackle age -appropriate learning concepts in English, Kannada and Maths. A mid-day meal is provided, as many of these children are unable to access wholesome food in their homes.
Uniforms, stationery and teaching-learning material are made available, to aid in creating an effective environment for study and co-curricular activities.
The Centre is sponsored by Mrs. Charlotte Newnes and other generous donors.
The workshop was held on 19th, 22nd, 23rd & 24th November 2018 at Odxel.
Total no. of teachers present: 39, out of which 30 were from RSP and 9 were from NRSTC. Also present were the two RSP supervisors Ms. Clancy Baretto – South Goa, Mr. Jose Crasto – North Goa, the RSP Project Coordinator Mrs. Yvonne Mascarenhas and the NRSTC Coordinator, Mr. Walter Lobo.
The schedule of the workshops was drawn up as follows:
19th November 2018 – Morning session – Math class by RSP teachers Ashwami Lingudkar, Prinkle Fernandes and Reshma Mandrekar. Afternoon Session- “Stress Management” by Mr. Oscar Mascarenhas
22nd November 2018 – Morning session – Math class by teachers Taraq Khan, Sweta Kerkar, Praveen Kudalkar and Alico Fernandes. Afternoon Session – English as a Second Language (from The Teacher’s Toolkit), by teachers Velery Da Costa, Shriya Dalal, Roshani Prabhudessai, Melsa Dias and Bhramila Da Costa.
23rd November 2018 – RSP Teachers’ awards presentation by Fr. Lawrence Monteiro. After morning tea break – Quarterly Review Meeting: presentations by RSP teachers
24th November 2018 – Full day Session on English Language, by Mrs. Nirmala Rebello. The Workshops were planned based on the needs and requests of the teachers. There was active and enthusiastic participation by all the attendees and every session turned out to be a valuable learning experience.
