Dubai : Bishop Aloysius launches ‘Guidance Cell’ to assist job seekers

Report : Ajith Peter D’Souza
Pics : Deepak Paladka

Dubai, Mar 15 : In a rare event of its kind, nearly 200 members of more than 40 Konkani associations in the UAE came together on Friday March 13 for a meeting at Ivory Grand Hotel Aprtments at Al Barsha. The main motto of the meeting was to help and support job aspirants who come to UAE on visit visa. The gathering was held to supplement the cause initiated by Michael D’Souza, a well-known Dubai-based entrepreneur, by creating a network among individuals of various associations in Dubai.

The meeting was presided over by bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Ronald Colaco, James Mendonca, Walter Nandalike and Dayan D’Souza.

The meeting began at 5 pm in the evening. Walter Nandalike, editor-in-chief, Daijiworld, introduced the guests by hailing their notable contributions to the community and society as a whole.

Aboline D’Cunha, vice-president of Mangalore Konkans, briefly enumerated the various activities of Konkani associations in Dubai while introducing them to the bishop and the gathering. James Mendonca, president of Mangalore Konkans association in Dubai, briefly explained the purpose of the gathering and the initiative.

Michael D’Souza, in his speech, highlighted the need of a network among various individuals and entrepreneurs to help and assist the needy job seekers. He stressed that one will never lose by helping others but by one’s erroneous decisions; therefore contributing to others will only result in gain. While he called upon everyone for a greater participation for the noble cause he thanked everyone for their presence and support.

Ronald Coloco, appreciating the initiative said that this could be further strengthened in the future by providing accommodation facilities to genuine job seekers and assured his support for the same. He briefed about a similar cause undertaken in Bengaluru by Konkani associations to assist needy job seekers. He praised various individuals in the community who are involved in many charitable works without aspiring for name and fame. He said that this initiative will be successful only when everyone supports it by their active involvement and cooperation.

Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangaluru formally inaugurated this charitable cause – Guidance Cell – and addressing the gathering, he applauded the generosity of various associations in Dubai for various charitable works in the diocese. He commended the efforts of all involved in this cause of helping others. He praised Michael D’Souza and family for their help in establishing Educare in the diocese which assists the needy students aspiring higher education. Bishop who proceeds to Africa from Dubai for the inauguration of a school as part of mission work undertaken by the diocese of Mangaluru, called for active involvement of all towards strengthening various charitable works in the diocese.

Michael D’Souza and Flavy D’Souza handed over the files to the coordinators of Guidance Cell Deepak Machado and Sonia D’Souza in a symbolic gesture of handing over the responsibility.

Deepak Machado presented the motto and functionality of the Guidance Cell to all those present. Godwin D’Souza compered the event and Dayan D’Souza, convener of the meeting proposed the vote of thanks.