5 NGOs in Goa that you need to know
Gomantak Times
From business to pleasure, there are a plethora of reasons to travel. And, in such a scenario, it is only natural for visitors to expect beaches and diverse areas that serve as tourist attractions. As much as happy memories are an important part of life, there is more to it than meets the eye.
The picturesque beauty of Goa, which attracts hordes of tourists, is enhanced through several initiatives that cater to diverse humanitarian causes in Goan society.
Here’s a glimpse of the remarkable work done by a few NGOs in Goa
1. DISABILITY RIGHTS ASSOCIATION OF GOA (DRAG)
Several sections of a population may not enjoy the same equal rights as everybody else. The differently-abled is one section of society that people seldom think about. Their issues wouldn’t have gone unnoticed if not for the persistent efforts of the ‘Disability Rights of Goa’ or ‘DRAG’.
From making buildings accessible to the differently-abled to assisting them with employment opportunities, DRAG continues to play a crucial role in creating a society which is cordial and sensitive towards the needs of the differently-abled.
Fuelled by a desire to bring people with disabilities into the mainstream society, the organisation has been transforming countless lives since its inception in 2003
Address: Star Investments Opp. Head Post Office, Panjim, Goa - 403 001
Contact: 0832 2427160/+91 9326120903
Email: drag.goa@gmail.com
2. BETHESDA CHILDREN’S HOME
Although people are aware that they live in an unequal world, only a handful strives to bring some good into the world by actually addressing this issue. The ‘Bethesda Children’s Home’ caters to the needs of orphans upto the age of 18. They infuse joy into the lives of children by protecting them from diverse forms of abuse, while simultaneously trying to resolve issues of child trafficking and other exploitations.
They accomplish their vision of a bright future for orphans by providing education, food and shelter to young orphan girls, whose families are below the poverty line, and whose futures are bleak. Their goal has been to gift a bright future to needy children since day one.
Email: info@bethesdachildren.org
3. PANJIM ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (PAWS)
Over the years, the public has received shockers from the media regarding animal cruelty. The average people are engrossed in their daily lives and their generosity extends only to their domesticated furry friends. ‘PAWS’ has been making an impact in the lives of countless stray animals since day one. While the emphasis that humans place on health is showcased by the hospitals present in societies, the same concept regarding health is applicable to animals, too.
‘PAWS’ strives to highlight these issues by employing veterinarians and trained professionals to administer medication to strays. They promote free sterilizations of stray cats and dogs, and encourage people to get their pets sterilized to keep their population under control. They also rescue cats and dogs that need medical help and those that can’t be treated on site.
Address: Panjim Animal Welfare Society, St Inez, Panjim
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 6 pm
Contact: +9170660 29123
4. SETHU CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY GUIDANCE
When people realize the potential that they possess, they’re a force to be reckoned with. ‘Sethu’ is committed to raising children with developmental, behavioural, emotional and learning difficulties from birth till 19 years of age to their full potential. They work with children and their families, teachers and communities, using a strength-based participatory approach to build a village of support around every vulnerable child.
Address: Sethu Centre For Child Development and Family Guidance. House No. 5/84, Dhonvaddo, Saligao
Timings: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm
Contact: +91 77200 13749
5. NOVI SURVAT GOA
‘Novi Survat Goa’ is a beacon of hope for numerous families as they provide palliative care to children and their families, who suffer from various life-limiting and life-threatening conditions like developmental delays, genetic disorders, chromosomal disorders, cancer, HIV/AIDS, birth defects that result in heart, kidney and liver failure. Apart from these, ‘Novi Survat Goa’ also addresses neo-natal disorders and the needs of several brain-damaged children along with administering physiotherapy to needy children with cerebral palsy.
Address: Mae De Deus, Sangolda, Bardez, Goa
Contact: +91 9022219412
Email: novisurvatgoa@gmail.com
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