Diocesan News

Sep 19 : ICYM Mangalore Diocesan Director Rev Fr Ashwin Cardoza and ICYM Diocesan President Mithesh D’souza along with the executive committee and central council members celebrated their birthdays by visiting "Daya Special Children Day Care Centre" in Koyyuru Cross Road, Laila, Belthangady on 10th September 2023.

DAYA special children day care centre was started in the month of December 2016 with the help of various agencies and donors. It received recognition as a Special School in August 2017. At present there are 113 differently abled children assisted by 22 teachers and non-teaching staff at the centre. Along with basic education children are taught basic skill training. Every week 30 children are given physiotherapy treatment. Monthly health check-ups are done with the help of L.M. Pinto Hospital, Badyar and Taluk Health Centre, Belthangady. Counseling sessions are held for the parents once in a month. Speech and hearing sessions are conducted for 30 children.

The day began with a short programme where ICYM members were welcomed whole heartedly. The staff and the students then wished the ICYM Director and ICYM President on their birthday. Rev Fr Praveen D'souza ICYM Belthangady Deanery Director, Wilma Lobo ICYM Secretary Mangalore Diocese, Elvin ICYM Belthangady Deanery President and the executive committee and council members were present.

Rev Fr Vinod Wilfred Mascarenhas the Priest in-charge of Daya Special Centre school gave brief information relating to the school and also introduced the teachers who work there. He also informed about the activities that are conducted at their centre. Some of the activities are, ‘Health and Medical Rehabilitation', ‘Routine Care and Support of the children’, ‘Physiotherapy’, ‘Speech and Hearing’, and so on...

The youth later spent time with children. The children reciprocated their gratitude with dance and songs. Then the executive committee and the central council entertained the children by teaching them action songs and other songs.

Children at Daya Special school are also taught to make flowers, candles, bags, envelopes, baskets which are kept on display and for sales.

The visit ended with a sumptuous meal sponsored by Fr Ashwin and Mithesh on their special day. The youth cherished this day by celebrating the gift of life in a novel way.