I recently went on a fascinating journey to reconnect with my roots in Goa. I had also recently recorded a CD of my original composition “GOA” which is a fund raising project dedicated towards helping underprivileged children in Goa to have the opportunity to learn music. And, after being invited to perform for the Tanzanite Dance 2010, I read an article in their Newsletter about Fr. Jose Sequeira’s educational work in Goa through the Konkan Development Society (KDS).

I made a trip to meet Fr. Jose at Oxdel, at the Don Bosco Mission just outside of Panjim and I was very impressed by his commitment and drive to provide needy children with basic education. Fr. Jose and his team work tirelessly to help the street children in the region. The children are picked up and schooled on several mobile buses that have been transformed into classrooms. At Oxdel, a school has been created to provide children with a basic education before they can be integrated into regular schools. There is also home for street children in Bastora; Music classes have been started for the children due to proceeds of my CD “GOA” which was recorded as fundraising project.

This was one more of my many encounters that I had in Goa with Goans who truly care about helping others around them and who are dedicating their lives to making a change. I feel deeply privileged to be able to work with Fr. Jose Sequeira and his team towards making a difference in children’s lives. I will continue to help Fr. Jose in his work through my CD “GOA” as well as through collaborating with him through many other projects as well.

I count on the generous Goan spirit that I witnessed everywhere I went in Goa to support me in my work to help the Konkan Development Society. If you wish to lend your support, you may make a donation towards the CD “GOA” by visiting my website: www.jacintaluis.com

Thanks very much,
Jacinta Luis

Please see the letter from Fr. Jose Sequeira on the right hand side of this page.