NSS camp at Usgao highlights various issues
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
The NSS unit of St Xavier College, Mapusa, conducted its annual special camp at St Joseph High School, Usgao-Ponda.
64 students accompanied by nine programme officers attended the camp.
At the inaugural function, Dr (Fr) Walter De Sa welcomed the gathering and wished them well. He also thanked Fr Felix Lobo for providing the NSS unit with all required camp needs. Chief guest, Usgao Sarpanch Tulshidas Gaonkar welcomed the NSS unit and extended his support.
The activities that were held in the village were anti-plastic drive, where volunteers collected nine bags of plastic waste and handed it over to the panchayat. An environmental awareness rally was also held in the village, where the students held placards with slogans emphasising the need to protect the environment. The NSS unit distributed over 6000 paper bags to the shopkeepers in the area and made them aware of the harm that plastic bags pose to the environment.
Students were addressed by resource persons on various topics like AIDS awareness, coastal environment, sustainable mining, entrepreneurship avenues, prevention of sexual harassment and developing leadership qualities. A demonstration by Ponda Fire Services Department was also conducted for the campers and local residents.
The chief guest for the valedictory function, Fr Felix Lobo, praised the students for their hard work and contribution to Usgao through various activities.
