Media Release
Bantwal, June 6: Samanvaya Mangalore along with Sahodaya Bethany Social Service Centre held the valedictory of Fr Bernard D’Souza Memorial 6 months’ free tailoring and embroidery course at Guddeangadi here, recently.
Chief guest Devappa Poojary, talyk panchayat member expressed his satisfaction over the course and the keen interest taken by young women to empower themselves in that small village. He appreciated the work done by Samanvaya and other associated groups, to empower the weaker sections of the society and build unity among the people irrespective of their community. He also applauded the students for organizing the closing ceremony in such a befitting manner which also made him feel proud.
A few students expressed their feelings on the closing day and said that the course has not only empowered the participants in knowledge and skills of tailoring and embroidery but also fostered love, unity, sacrifice and concern among the participants. It built our self confidence, they said.
Dr Ronald Cutinha, director of Samanvaya was extremely happy to find such a vast change among the students as compared to the day he met them on the first day six months ago. He said that all students look confident to face life and become self-reliant with the newly acquired professional training. He advised them that they should carry on with the present spirit and try to be better human beings and influence others to follow their way so that this ‘change’ spreads beyond their surroundings.
Sr Assuntha, director of Sahodaya Bethany Social Service Centre complimented the students for their marvellous achievement in such a short period and for the wonderful festal atmosphere on the closing ceremony. She wished all students a bright and successful future.
Managing trustee of Samanvaya, Dr Pius Fidelis Pinto said, Tailoring and Embroidery education is an important milestone in women empowerment. This training supplements the school education and enables women to build a bright career, as long as they continue making good use of it. He was touched by the unity among the students though they belonged to different communities and said that the bond should get stronger in the days ahead. He also distributed certificates to each student who completed the tailoring course.
Sr Prema Gonsalves of Sahodaya Bethany Social Service Centre, Latha, social worker and Sajida, tailoring teacher were on the dais.
Tasrifa Zainaba welcomed the guests. Sahira compered the entire programme sportingly. Khateeja Zakiyath proposed the vote of thanks.
Firoza, Zohra, Misriya K and Pushpa came on to the dais and spoke out their experiences in the tailoring course.
All 26 students were present on the occasion and unitedly organized the valedictory function with their near and dear ones besides guests.