The season of love, cheer and giving is upon us, and the spirit of joy and kindness is in the air. In light of this year’s Christmas season, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights organised a Christmas programme for children from the Kathkari tribe at Virnoda, Pernem.
During the event, the children were encouraged to display their dancing, arts and other talents, giving them a platform to be creative and come out of their fear and display their aptitude.
The activities were conducted by young people from Chotanagpur Youth Group, under the leadership of Fr Michael Periera, SVD. He said, “Christmas is a time to share our joy and happiness with each other, not only with our loved ones but also who are unknown to us.”
Over the past few months, the Commission has been at the forefront and has engaged in addressing various issues of children in the area, ie malnutrition, delayed birth registration, access to food security, health and education, in a sustained manner, besides promoting positive mental health among underprivileged children at Virnoda.
“This was an event to spread even more smiles, make a difference and foster good mental health during the holiday season,” said Peter Floriano Borges, Chairperson, Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
Hanumant Pawar, the community leader of the Kathkari Tribe, Virnoda, Pernem, said, “Our express our appreciation of the Commission, which has done a lot of work for the development of our children, contributing to their overall wellbeing. We are greatly indebted to the chairperson who has engaged with us and helped us access several benefits from the government system.”