CODP (Canara Organization for Development and Peace), Mangalore is a Diocesan NGO, it is working in the path of Charity and Social Work. This year CODP is going to celebrate its golden Jubilee. Child Sponsorship Programme is one of the project among the various projects of CODP. Presently three agencies Viz. Caritas Praha of Czech Republic, Joy for Kids of Belgium and Spain Agency supporting Child Sponsorship Programme.
The Christmas get-together programme was organized by CODP through into Child Sponsorship Programme (CSP) to the beneficiary children/students on 28th and 29th of December 2023. The programme was held at CODP for children/students of Puttur, Belthangady, Kumbla, Moodbidri, Bantwal and City centres of Mangalore Diocese. Total 163 benificiary students and their parents participated in the Christmas Get together. Total 235 participants attended the programmes which were organised on two days.
The programme commenced at around 10.00 AM with a prayer song conducted by the staff and the beneficiary students. After the prayers the beneficiary children/students who attended the programme were provided with breakfast by CODP.
Fr Vincent DSouza, Director of CODP delivered the welcome speach. He wished the participants complements of the season and a happy and joyful New year. He explained the children/students about the generosity of their foreign donors even though they do not earn much, they spend a part of it to educate some of the needy children and help them to build up their future. He guided the children to be grateful to their donors and should study hard and score good marks to make true the dreams of their donors and parents. In this view it is the duty of their parents to encourage their children and improve their learning skills by attending the Career Advancement Programme held in CODP in first week of every month. He explained the children about the importance of these classes to build up a strong foundation for knowledge stage wise. He gave then details of the report on National Survey taken on the levels of learning among Primary students in India. It is learn that students of VII standard does not know to read and write the Alphabets
Mr Noel Lobo, Ex-Executive of ONGC was the resource person of the programme. He gave a motivational talk for the beneficiary children/students of Child Sponsorship Programme. He explained the students about the importance of their sponsorship to build up their future as they are hailing from a poor background and in return they should also try to be a helping hand to educate other needy children in future. He explained his experiences and a challenging journey to reach a higher level at work place. which will be helpful for the children to plan their future and prepare for it well before. The children were grateful to Fr Vincent DSouza and Mr. Noel Lobo for sharing their valuable knowledge and vast experiences.
Then the staff conducted a Lucky game to the children. Prize was given to the winner soon after the game. The sponsorship staff Mrs Zeena Concessao delivered the Vote of Thanks.
The programme was compered by Mrs Dorice Linet Fernandes, Coordinator of Child Sponsorship Programme.
This was followed by distribution of Christmas gifts to the beneficiary children/students. This year blankets and bath towel were distributed as Christmas gifts. A group photo was taken before they left for their homes. The children were very happy to receive the gifts and left with a broad smile. The programme was concluded at 12:30 p.m.
Prepared by: Mrs Dorice Linet Fernandes
CSP Co-ordinator
Date: 01.01.2024