Belgium Scholarship Agency ‘Joy For Kids’ visits CODP

Mangaluru: The Coordinators from Joy for Kids, an agency from Belgium, Viz Ms Danielle De Clercq, Ms Lieselot Baisino and Ms Jorinde Mergan, visited CODP, A Diocesan NGO of Mangalore Diocesan, on 24.1.2024. On their arrival, they were welcomed by Fr Vincent DSouza, Director of CODP, with a bouquet of flowers, a shawl, and a gift. The programme was organized in Mother Theresa hall. Mrs. Dorice Fernandes, Coordinator of CSP, which is Child Sponsorship Programme, an initiative of CODP, conducted the meeting and welcomed the guests. The beneficiary child Ms. Ninisha Monteiro, who won several prizes in various competitions, performed a welcome dance and a song.

As it was a school working day, a total of six children and students, along with their parents, were present. The Coordinators from Joy for Kids spoke to the children and inquired about their studies, details about the course they have taken, what they intend to do after completion of their studies, etc. In the mean time, Fr. Vincent DSouza clarified with the Joy for Kids coordinators the maximum level of studies up to which they will sponsor a student, and the clarification was that until the end of their studies, even if they are willing to study post-graduation, the sponsorship will be continued.

The CSP Coordinator inquired about the sending of the accounts sheet to Joy for Kids and also about the students whose sponsorship was repeated in two homes. The discussions went on for some time, with the conclusion that they would also discuss this matter in the other home, and after verifying the situation and needs of the family, the matter would be discussed with the sponsor. Then Fr. Vincent also raised the request to raise the fee structure for the beneficiaries as the school fee is high in Mangalore. The agency Joy for Kids guests asked CODP NGO to make a study of the various fee structures of rural schools and send them a report supporting the request for a higher amount of scholarship.

Suzana, the sibling of one of the beneficiary students, Sonia, expressed her gratitude to the foreign agency coordinators for their selfless service rendered to the children of India and for visiting India from a faraway country.

Fr Vincent DSouza introduced all the CSP and CODP staff working in CODP. He told the Coordinators that the CSP staff was happy to work with them, and they had no problems as the replies were very prompt and to the point from their side. They said that, on their part, they had no complaints and were very happy about the work handled by CSP, CODP.

After this, a tea session was arranged for the guests and the students. Photos were taken with CODP staff and students with the Coordinators of Joy for Kids. The visitor’s book at CODP was filled with the memorable words of the visitors from Belgium. The guests expressed a big thanks for the hospitality extended to them.

The visit was successful, as guests left happy with a smile of contentment.