PANAJI
As many as 150 children from different parts of Sattari participated in the annual Bal Mela organised by the Social Welfare Action through Democratic Empowerment of Society (SWADES) at the Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Valpoi, as part of Children’s Day celebrations
SWADES is the social unit of the Goa Jesuits which works with children for the enhancement of educational standards in rural Sattari.
The Bal Mela was inaugurated by Fr Santan Gama, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Valpoi, who imparted the message of interconnectedness, interrelatedness and interdependence of the flora and fauna.
The Mela sought to help the less fortunate children to see the brighter side of life, discover their inner potential and dare to dream for a better future.
The Bal Mela was an attempt to provide a platform for children to enhance social interaction, leadership, healthy recreation, self-discipline and self-confidence.
The children were involved in action songs and were also introduced to various kinds of creative, innovative and fun-filled games.
Provincial of the Goa Jesuits Fr Roland Coelho was the chief guest at the Mela and congratulated the children for their performance and thanked the animators for meticulously training the children. He advised the children to be cheerful, happy and to spread the cheerful atmosphere wherever they go.
The games were planned and conducted by the supplementary teaching staff of SWADES. The cultural programme was compered by children themselves, namely Anthony, Suzan and Christleen.
Director of SWADES Fr Simon Fernandes thanked everyone for their contribution at the Bal Mela.
