Tag: community health

EduConnect

Blood & Organ Donation Drive at Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School, Panjim

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 20, 2025, a spirit of compassion and community filled the halls of Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School in Panjim, Goa, as the school hosted a Blood Donation Camp in collaboration with Loving Hearts Goa and the GMC Blood Bank, Bambolim. In a commendable effort to extend the reach of health awareness, the MOHAN Foundation also joined in by setting up an organ donation information desk at the venue. The event ran from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and was generously supported by Mr. Benson Coutinho, Proprietor of the SAAMAS Group.

The turnout was a powerful reflection of community involvement, with 77 individuals stepping forward to volunteer. After necessary medical screening, 50 were found eligible and successfully donated blood, each contributing to saving lives and making a difference. The event not only promoted blood donation but also used the opportunity to shine a light on the significance of organ and tissue donation, a message that resonated deeply with the attendees.

Mr. Ranjit Rodrigues, a founding member of Loving Hearts Goa, met with Sr. Luisa Botelho, FHIC, Headmistress of Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School, to explore ways to involve parents as donors in future events. The conversation underlined the importance of nurturing a culture of donation, starting within the school community. This initiative was further reinforced by Mr. Gabriel from the MOHAN Foundation, who passionately spoke to attendees about the transformative power of organ donation. Drawing parallels to blood donation, he explained that while donating blood could save three to four lives, organ donation had the potential to save up to eight lives and positively impact over fifty more through tissue transplants.

To enhance understanding, informative flyers addressing frequently asked questions about organ donation were distributed to all attendees. These resources helped demystify the process and encouraged participants to consider signing up as donors, either during the event or in the future.

As the camp drew to a close, heartfelt thanks were extended by Mr. Mark D’Souza, President of Loving Hearts Goa, along with Mr. Ranjit Rodrigues and Ms. Sanyukta Gawade, Treasurer. They acknowledged the camp’s sponsor, Mr. Benson Coutinho, as well as the pivotal contributions of Tr. Charlotte Pereira, the camp coordinator, and Sr. Luisa Botelho, for their unwavering support and organisational efforts.

Mr. Gabriel, representing the MOHAN Foundation, also expressed his gratitude to Loving Hearts Goa and Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School for their continued support in spreading awareness about organ donation. Their commitment to integrating education with humanitarian outreach played a crucial role in making this camp not just a medical initiative, but a movement for change within the Panjim community.

This collaborative effort served as a shining example of what can be achieved when schools, non-profits, healthcare institutions, and the wider community come together for a common cause. It was more than an event—it was a message of hope, life, and generosity.

EduConnect

Goa Launches Statewide “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign” at Morpirla Village Panchayat Hall

allycaralgoa

Goa | 16th June 2025 — In a significant move to promote child health, sanitation, and public awareness, the Directorate of Health Services Goa, in collaboration with the State Family Welfare Bureau (SFWB) and Ayushman Arogya Mandir – PHC Balli, officially launched the “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign” at the Village Panchayat Hall, Morpirla.

The launch event marked the beginning of a sustained, community-driven public health initiative aimed at preventing diarrhoeal diseases through education, hygiene promotion, and nutritional awareness, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities.

Dignitaries Lead the Campaign with a Unified Message

The event was graced by key healthcare professionals and community leaders. The dignified launch was led by:

  • Dr. Prashant Suryawanshi, Medical Officer, SFWB, Directorate of Health Services, Panaji
  • Dr. Benedicta Dias, Health Officer, Ayushman Arogya Mandir – PHC Balli
  • Dr. Meenal
  • Maria Murena Miranda, Headmistress, local school
  • Along with dedicated members of the local Health Team

Together, they underscored the urgent need to combat diarrhoeal illnesses, which continue to be a leading cause of preventable deaths among children under five in India.

Educational Talk on Hygiene, Nutrition & Breastfeeding

Dr. Prashant Suryawanshi delivered an impactful awareness session focused on:

  • Importance of handwashing, especially before meals and after using toilets
  • Consuming safe and clean drinking water
  • Sanitation and proper waste disposal as critical preventive measures
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months as a key strategy to improve infant immunity and reduce infections

The talk encouraged active participation from both students and parents, emphasizing that prevention begins at home.

Creative Competitions to Engage and Educate

To involve the community creatively, the event featured:

  • 🎨 Poster and Rangoli Competitions on the theme “Stop Diarrhoea”, showcasing vibrant student talent
  • 🍽️ Nutritional Food Exhibition by parents, who prepared and displayed wholesome dishes that promoted healthy eating habits

These activities made health education interactive and accessible, especially for young minds. Winners across categories were recognized and awarded, encouraging broader community involvement.

Impact and Way Forward

The event succeeded in sensitizing the community—especially school children and parents—on critical health practices. It helped cultivate a shared understanding of how hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition collectively play a pivotal role in diarrhoea prevention.

The campaign’s launch set a strong precedent for similar awareness drives across Goa, supporting the broader goals of Ayushman Bharat and National Health Mission (NHM) in reducing child morbidity and improving public health outcomes.

“Awareness is the first step towards prevention. This campaign will go a long way in ensuring that every child in Goa has access to a healthy, hygienic start to life,” said Dr. Benedicta Dias.

The “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign” continues to be a shining example of how grassroots engagement, community participation, and healthcare leadership can come together to drive meaningful change.

International

Vibrant Yoga Session Lights Up Plaza de Zorrilla Ahead of 11th International Day of Yoga

allycaralgoa

Valladolid, Spain – June 11, 2025
As the world gears up to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2025), the city of Valladolid witnessed a colorful and energetic prelude. A vibrant yoga session unfolded at the iconic Plaza de Zorrilla, drawing enthusiastic participants from all walks of life.

Organized in collaboration with the Ayuntamiento de Valladolid (@AyuntamientoVLL) and Casa de la India (@casaindiavll), the open-air event served as a unifying moment for the local community while celebrating the values of health, harmony, and mindfulness that yoga represents.

The early morning session saw yoga practitioners of all ages — from young children to senior citizens — join together in a collective rhythm of breathing, stretching, and stillness. Certified instructors led the session, guiding attendees through a mix of classic asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and relaxation techniques.

The backdrop of the historic Plaza de Zorrilla added a layer of cultural beauty, merging tradition with modern wellness in an inspiring setting. Passersby stopped to watch or spontaneously joined in, turning the event into a truly inclusive celebration of well-being.

This event is part of a series of global activities leading up to IDY 2025 on June 21, promoted by the Government of India and supported by Indian cultural institutions around the world. Yoga, with its origins in ancient India, has now become a global movement for physical and mental wellness.

“Events like these show that yoga is not just a physical activity — it’s a way to bring people together in the spirit of peace, balance, and community,” said a representative from Casa de la India.

The partnership between the City Council of Valladolid and Casa de la India highlights the strong cultural ties between India and Spain. Through events like this, both institutions continue to promote dialogue, wellness, and mutual understanding.