Mangalore Diocese News

By Sr Anna Maria BS

Mangaluru, Mar 29 : Women entrepreneurship programme was held at Spandana Trust Social Welfare unit, Jeppu, Mangalore at 10.30am on 29th March 2022. Mr Felix Dsouza the Executive Director of FVTRS, Bangalore in his keynote address encouraged the women entrepreneurs to carry on the small enterprises with dedication and courage. The aim of the programme was to avail local business enterprises to enhance their economic conditions. After three days of EDP training 208 women were given Rs 12,000/- each in order to initiate and develop their small business enterprises. Mrs Clara DCunha, the field coordinator of FVTRS, Mangalore presented a brief report of EDP training held in different places such as Mulki, Kavoor, Jeppu, Vamanjoor and Bendur. Four NGO’s such as Sahodaya, Spandana, Jeevandhara and Dharma Jyothi collaborated with FVTRS in contacting the SHG women of Mangalore city area. Mr Soorya Narayana the animator from Dharma Jyothi Centre, Vamanjoor, Mrs Celestine Crasta, Mrs Anitha Jane Colaco, Mrs Shobha and Mrs Harini shared their experiences of participating in EDP training.

Mr Jimmy Mathew, the programme Coordinator of FVTRS thanked Citibank Bangalore for supporting the venture which is implemented through Child Fund, India. 1400 Women from major cities in Karnataka were imparted the EDP skills to develop their business enterprises through FVTRS. It was indeed a great boon to women to enhance the economic conditions for their families as they have been affected by lockdown during Covid -19 pandemic.

Sr Cicilia Mendonca BS, the Provincial Superior of Bethany Sisters of Mangalore province appreciated FVTRS and NGO’s of Mangalore for assisting women to improve their business enterprises. She encouraged the women to be self-reliant by earning their livelihood. Mrs Jacintha Alfred the Ex-Mayor and Social Worker encouraged the women to make use of the opportunities to aim higher in life. Dr Thomas Scaria, the Director of Ecolink Institute explained the women to initiate small business ventures and to make consistent efforts to develop it. With few examples of renowned entrepreneurs of Mangalore city he encouraged the women to tread the path of success.

Sr Sylvia Fernandes the Superior of Infant Mary Convent, Jeppu in her Presidential speech explained the process of economic empowerment women need to achieve in order to meet the demands of present day society.

Mrs Jacintha Alfred and Mr Felix DSouza symbolically handed over the cheque to Mrs Molly Crasta, one of the business entrepreneurs. Sr Helen Fernandes the Administrator of Spandana Trust was present on the dais. The Social Work animators from Spandana Trust implored God’s blessings through prayer song. Mr Victor Vas, the coordinator of Spandana Trust Social Welfare unit welcomed the gathering. Sr Anna Maria, the Secretary of Jevandhara Social Service Trust expressed words of gratitude to the eminent guests and the beneficiaries. Mrs Reena Dsouza the animator of Spandana Trust, compeered the day’s programme. Nearly 250 women along with social work coordinators and animators participated in the day’s programme. Refreshments were served on the occasion. The programme came to an end at 12.00 noon.