Tag: Community Empowerment

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DRAG Hosts EMPOWER 2026 Annual Get-Together for Persons with Disabilities

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

PANAJI, GOA: In a heartfelt initiative to promote inclusion and empowerment, the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) organised its Annual Get-Together, EMPOWER 2026, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Shubham Jinn Ashram, Agacaim — a meditation and holistic healing centre run by the Pilar Fathers. The programme was held from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and brought together persons with disabilities for a day filled with learning, interaction, and celebration.
More than just an event, EMPOWER 2026 was envisioned as a safe and welcoming space where participants could feel included, heard, and empowered. The day featured interactive sessions on personality development, kitchen gardening, health awareness, mental well-being, and disability rights. Fun games, shared meals, and engaging activities further encouraged bonding and confidence-building among attendees.
Participation in the programme was free of cost, ensuring that financial constraints did not hinder anyone from attending. To enhance accessibility, transport facilities were arranged from Panjim Bus Stand and Agacaim Market for participants who required assistance.


Fr. Hilario Fernandes, SFX, Director of the Centre, inaugurated the programme by reminding participants of their importance as God’s creations. Through religious reflections and quotes, he emphasised that their relationship with God and their inherent dignity matter far more than their disabilities or societal perceptions.
Mithali Naik and her daughter Gargi from Giggle Gardeners, Borim, conducted an engaging session on kitchen gardening. They demonstrated hands-on techniques, including the correct proportion of soil mixing for a healthy and sustainable garden.
Ms. Terrency Luis and Ms. Vivian highlighted the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. They also conducted health check-ups for all participants as part of the awareness initiative.
Avelino de Sa, President of DRAG, elaborated on the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, urging participants to understand and assert their rights.
Fr. Ivan D’Mello, SFX, delivered an insightful session on mental health, guiding participants through simple breathing exercises to help them let go of past experiences. He explained that dwelling on past challenges can affect the present and future, encouraging everyone to focus on healing and self-growth.
The programme concluded with a thanksgiving Mass, where participants expressed gratitude for the Association’s continued support since its inception.
Through EMPOWER 2026, DRAG reinforced the message that self-growth, dignity, and belonging are rights — not privileges — and that true empowerment begins when communities come together to learn, support, and uplift one another.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Vedanta Sesa Goa Employee Volunteers Drive Change Through Community Empowerment ActivitiesBy Allycaral News Desk | Community

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Bicholim, Goa: In a powerful display of corporate social responsibility in action, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Goa (IOG) recently organized a series of employee-led volunteer initiatives across the villages of Piligao, Maem, and Bicholim. These were part of the ongoing Sesa Employee Volunteerism Activity, which aims to foster long-term, impactful engagement with the communities surrounding Vedanta’s operational areas.

With leadership presence from Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO – IOG, the initiatives covered a wide range of community-focused activities:

  • Health & Hygiene Awareness: Targeted towards adolescent girls, these sessions aimed to improve awareness and promote positive practices.
  • Career Guidance: Conducted at Zantye Narayan College of Commerce, the session helped bridge the gap between academics and the corporate world.
  • Financial & Digital Literacy: Women from the community received valuable training to navigate modern banking and digital tools.
  • Tech Talks for Students: Designed to ignite curiosity in school-going children.
  • Football Match: A friendly game to promote physical activity and strengthen bonds with locals.

One of the event’s most heartfelt highlights was the ‘Rakhi’ stall, organized in partnership with Keshava Seva Sadhana, showcasing products handcrafted by special children. The proceeds directly supported their cause, promoting inclusive development and awareness.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jagdish remarked,

“Employee Volunteerism is an extension of our core philosophy of giving back and staying rooted in the needs of our people.”

Echoing this spirit, Prof. Dr. Rajendra Kumbharjuvenkar, Principal of Zantye Narayan College, stated:

“It was a pleasure hosting Vedanta’s career guidance session. It bridged real-world expectations and helped students think ahead.”

Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to drive change through its multi-pronged CSR efforts, including Sesa Football Academy and Sesa Technical School, which have empowered over 2,000+ youth since 1994.

With meaningful volunteerism, the company demonstrates how industry can go beyond business — and truly become part of the community.

📸 For pictures, updates, and more, visit allycaral.com
🟢 @allycaralgoa | #CSR #Vedanta #GoaDevelopment

EduConnect

Happy School Project Launched at St Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona

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9th June 2025:
St Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona, proudly launched its newly upgraded smart classrooms under the Happy School Project, with the heartfelt support of one of its most distinguished alumni, Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Founder and President of PACT Foundation. This collaboration marks a meaningful moment of return and contribution, as the school that once nurtured Dr Fernandes’ early dreams now benefits from his global journey and commitment to education.


As part of the upgrade, three smart classrooms were inaugurated—each equipped with state-of-the-art smart boards, new benches, and fresh painting and renovation work. The transformation reflects PACT Foundation’s commitment to providing vibrant, modern, and dignified learning environments for students in Goa.
The event was graced by the presence of Father Jerard Sahayaraj, Manager of the School; Madam Angelica Fernandes, Principal; and Mr Amarnath Panjikar, Senior Teacher; along with the entire faculty, staff, and student body. One of the highlights of the celebration was a soul-stirring musical performance specially composed by Mr Ivan D’Cruz, Physics Lab Assistant, and presented by a group of students.
Dr Fernandes addressed the gathering with an emotional and inspiring speech, reflecting on his personal journey from a curious village schoolboy to a global education leader.
“Standing here at St Thomas Higher Secondary School—my school—is not just a return to a campus, but a return to the roots that shaped me,” he shared. He also added “To the students here today, I want to say: never forget where you come from—but never let it limit where you are going. I was one of you. Dream, Inspire and Aspire.”
The upgrades at St Thomas are part of PACT Foundation’s broader Happy School Project, launched in 2023. Since its inception, the initiative has impacted 17 schools across Goa, focusing on digital learning tools, classroom revitalisation and sanitation upgrades.
Father Jerard Sahayaraj, Manager of the School, shared his happiness at seeing the transformation, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the upgrades. He spoke about the deeper meaning of giving, noting, “When we give with love, we receive even greater blessings in return. Today’s gift to the school is not just smart boards and new benches—it is the spirit of hope, pride, and possibility that fills every classroom.”
With deep roots planted in Aldona, the Happy School Project now aims to give wings to hundreds of children, nurturing hope and potential where it all began. PACT (People for Action, Change and Transformation) Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to empowering communities through access to quality education and social support. Through its flagship initiatives like the Happy School Project, PACT works to uplift underserved schools and foster environments where children can thrive.

Events in Goa

Simplifying the Legal System: Siolim Free Legal Aid Cell Hosts Successful Legal Literacy Program

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In a bid to empower the community with knowledge of their fundamental rights and simplify complex legal concepts, the Siolim Free Legal Aid Cell conducted a successful Legal Literacy Program on the topic “Simplifying the Legal System”. The event, which was held on [Date], witnessed an overwhelming response from the public, with many attendees expressing their gratitude for the insightful session.


The program featured Adv. Eeshan Usapkar, a distinguished lawyer, trainer, and multiple award winner, as the guest speaker. Adv. Usapkar shared his expertise with the audience, providing valuable insights into the legal system and its intricacies. Some of the key takeaways from the program included:

  • Understanding of fundamental rights and duties
  • Simplification of complex legal concepts
  • Awareness of legal resources and aid available to the public
  • Importance of legal literacy in everyday life


The program was graced by the presence of MLA @delilahloboofficial and Panch Member Amit Morajkar. Their attendance demonstrated their commitment to promoting legal awareness and empowering the community.


The Siolim Free Legal Aid Cell’s Legal Literacy Program aimed to achieve the following objectives:

  • Educate the public on their fundamental rights and duties
  • Simplify complex legal concepts and make them accessible to all
  • Promote legal awareness and empowerment among community members
  • Provide a platform for the public to interact with legal experts and clarify their doubts


The Siolim Free Legal Aid Cell’s Legal Literacy Program was a resounding success, with the audience praising the informative session and the guest speaker’s expertise. The initiative demonstrated the cell’s commitment to promoting legal awareness and empowering the community. Such programs are essential for fostering a more informed and responsible society, and the Siolim Free Legal Aid Cell plans to continue organizing similar initiatives in the future.

Events in Goa

10th International Conference on Life Skills Education to be held in Goa

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Panaji, Goa – February 2025: The Indian Association of Life Skills Education (IALSE), in collaboration with the Nirmala Institute of Education, is set to host the 10th International Conference on Life Skills Education (ICLSE 2025) from February 27 to March 1, 2025, in Panaji, Goa. This prestigious event will bring together educators, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe to explore the theme, ‘Life Skills Integrated Learning and Living: Pathways for a Sustainable Future.’

At the press conference held on 25th Feb 2025, Dr. M. N. Musthafa, President of IALSE proudly stated, “It is with immense pleasure and delight that we announce that the Government of Goa received this concept with cent percent dedication. Today, the propagation of life skills within society is reflected in the NEP as well as the various policies and guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the term ‘Jeevan Kaushal’. We hope that this conference will be a turning point in the educational landscape of the country where more than 100 experts will be sharing their expertise. Education must not move to a materialistic view. The value system of human kind has degraded and deteriorated and that has led to all kinds of problems like depression, disappointment, suicide, communalism, corruption, nepotism etc… Life skills education is a retake on what was there in the true educational process, including the nurturing from the family.”

The convenor of the conference, Dr. Delia Antao said, “It is a privilege for NIE to organise this international conference in association with IALSE, Chennai. This conference will give good exposure to teacher-trainees as well as to school students in Goa. During the conference, we will be having parallel sessions in schools.”

The conference will feature a series of symposiums, panel discussions, plenary sessions, thematic paper presentations, and interactive workshops covering critical topics such as:

• Life skills for personal growth and global competence

• Community empowerment and economic sustainability

• Education policies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Life skills in adolescent reproductive and sexual health education

• Addressing gender bias and inclusivity

• The role of artificial intelligence in digital well-being

Esteemed speakers from India and abroad, including academicians, government officials, social entrepreneurs, and NGO representatives, will share insights on how life skills education can shape future-ready individuals and communities. The event will also provide a platform for networking and collaboration among experts and stakeholders working in this field.

In addition to academic discussions, the conference will feature student-led sessions, cultural programs, and a dedicated NGO Conclave showcasing innovations in life skills education. The event will culminate with a Think Tank session focused on the implementation of life skills education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework.

Dr. Russell D’Souza, Principal of Nirmala Institute of Education confidently claimed, “At Nirmala Institute of Education, we’ve always kept the core value of how can we contribute to society?” There are a lot of societal forces that influence the self-concept but how do we tide over all these difficulties? How do we problem solve, nurture certain abilities?”

Participants can register for the conference through the official IALSE website (www.ialse.net) before February 24, 2025. Late and spot registrations will also be available.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Pratiksha Shirodkar

Assistant Professor, Nirmala Institute of Education, Panaji, Goa

📞 +91-9284557229

📧 ialse.iclse2025@gmail.com