63rd INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION - CUNCOLIM –GOA.
There was uncertainty in the air. The heavy rains had damaged both the
Konkani rail tracks and the highway, we were wondering how we would make
it to Goa. At the same time we did not want to disappoint the students
of Cuncolim with whom we usually celebrate Independence day. So when we
met to finalize the Scholarships and financial aid we decided, come what
may we would make it to Goa.
Whilst most people were enjoying a weekend siesta, Roney-Hon-Secretary,
Benes–Vice President and Nassim–President along with Sub-committee -
Sylvia and Mabel departed with a prayer in their mouths to celebrate the
63rd Independence day with the children/students of Cuncolim.”Thank
God”, we arrived safely
Pre Independence, we met the principal/headmasters of all the five
schools/college. This inter action was very fruitful as it helped us
understand the infrastructure and needs of the students and schools.
On Independence Day, Sylvia, Mabel, Roney, Benes and Nassim along with
the Goa committee Filonio Vaz, Jefferies Mascarenhas, Ivan Moraes, Manny
Fernandes and Dinesh Naik visited Our Lady of Health H School, Cuncolim
United H School, Maria Bambina Convent H School, Infant Jesus H. School,
and H.R. Kenkre H School.
At the schools we had the pleasure of interacting once again with the
principals, teachers’ students and witnessed skits, patriotic songs and
prayers organized by the students of the primary and secondary section
of the schools; we were impressed with so much talent on display.
At each school, members in their speech, encouraged students to
recognize their talents, work hard to achieve their goals, requested
students to appreciate the good work carried out by the teaching staff
and make best use of the opportunities given by the schools. The heads
of school in turn thanked the Cuncolim welfare Trust for their time;
effort and contribution that helped students overcome their academic
expenses.
67 Freeships, 24 Sponsorships and 25 Scholarships were distributed to
deserving students, amounting to Rest 88,200/-
Our Experience at H.R Kendra H. School-Veroda-Cuncolim
At the H R Kenkre H. School, Mabel and I witnessed Innocence, Simplicity
and Sincerity written on the faces of the children present at the
Independence Day. They have the inclination but do not have the
resources, the school is willing to give their time but the boys and
girls have domestic commitments. What they need is a touch of extra love
and careful guidance. They are oppressed by society and need extra help
and help we gave them. They were grateful and thanked us profusely for
the financial aid.
We believe that this school should be treated differently from the other
schools in Cuncolim as they have children from very low strata attending
the school and many may not complete high school due to lack of funds.
We believe that children have the right to live, to play, to be
protected and express their views. We act as an NGO to identify, address
and try to eliminate the root causes of issues but, due to the paucity
of funds, Cuncolim welfare trust has not been able to reach out to all
the students. (Non-Cuncolkars) . The school has appealed for new desk
and benches for their student as the old one are completely broken(not
repairable). If any of you would like to donate a desk and a bench pl
get in touch with Nassim DeSouza - 9920939453- nassim.deso...@emirates.com
A drawing competition was held in the respective schools for all the
children. Cash prizes were awarded to first three winners of each category.
The Independence celebration ended on a very productive, informative and
satisfying note. We can say one thing “All went well”
We owe a Big Thank You to Roney Almeida- Hon Secretary for the planning
and looking into every minute detail to ensure the celebration was a
success.
Many thanks to Benes Coutinho- Vice President for scrutinizing all the
Scholarships, financial aid applicants and pay-outs.
We also want to thank Ms Doreen Gama-Hon. Asst Treasurer for helping us
write and check all the cheques and envelops.
Thanking you Francis Jacques for organizing the cheque books
A word of thanks to our Sub-Committee members Sylvia Coutinho and Mabel
Desouza for volunteering to come to Goa and be with the students of Cuncolim
Above all we want to thank Mr Cedric Moraes- Trustee for his
encouragement, help and moral support
The Cuncolim Welfare Trust is Proud of the following Cuncolkars for
their Financial support : “The more you give the more you get”
Mr Joe Coutinho – Mileavado – Bandra Mumbai - Rs6000/-
Mr Derrick D’Souza – Dandora – Andheri(W) - Rs6000/-
Mr Elvis D’Souza – Dandora -Cuncolim - Rs6000/-
Mr Edson D’Souza - Dandora -Cuncolim - Rs6000/-
Mr Rudolph Noronha – Madicotto - Cuncolim - Rs3000/-
All our precious sponsors-donors who believe in “the Joy of Giving.”
Lastly thank you Mr President- Nassim DeSouza for the overall supervision
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Now available in Toronto, a few copies of *Into The Diaspora Wilderness* by
Selma Carvalho. Contact Bosco D'Mello
bo...@goanet.org (416) 803-7264
http://selmacarvalho.squarespace.com/
