Eight year-old Rosy wasa rag picker who hated school. On being told that education waspossible without having to sit in a classroom she reluctantly agreed.Gradually as time passed she fell in love with the written word. Aradical overhaul of her life took place and at 14 she was studyingand teaching young kids. Today at 24 she is appearing for her 12thstandard exams. For Rosy and several others with similar backgrounds,the Jan Ugahi Trust has been turning around lives since 1995.
“If you see a childill and lonely, in need of shelter, being beaten or abused, workingbut not being paid please dial Childline at 1098,” urges Bernie andGreg, the founders of the Jan Ugahi Trust. Bernadette D’Souza andGregory D’Costa, have been battling on behalf of these childrensince 1995.
“There are enoughlaws to protect women and children, but the system turns a blind eyeto the real problems, instead of trying to resolve them. That is atragedy in India,” laments Bernie who played an active role in theformulation of the Goa Children’s Act in 2003.
“The migrantpopulation, slums, beach belts and interior villages are our focusgroups for several years now” says Greg. He proudly mentions Rahul,a 15-year-old kid who suffered emotionally after witnessing thecommunal riots. He grew up amongst alcoholics but left them toassociate himself with the Jan Ugahi trust. Today, Rahul hassuccessfully brought together the various communities ensuringcommunal harmony and is studying Municipal Solid Waste Management.
Jan Ugahi is involvedin creating health awareness activities and helping these childrenlearn skills to fend for themselves. “We support and empowerdistressed women to lead their lives independently, says Bernadette.“Education, employment and entertainment are the three areas wefocus on seriously” Gregory revealed that there were presently 11centres operating in South Goa.
Playing mother, father,buddy, teacher, healer and above all a shelter to tormented soulsdoesn’t come easy. For close to two decades, the firm of Bernie andGreg have done exactly that “ giving homes, lives and a reason tolive for so many children.
