Team Goemkarponn
Canacona: Goa University’s MSW students and faculty from the D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies demonstrated a profound commitment to community engagement during Rural Camp 2025 in Cotigao, Canacona. Over a transformative 10-day period from 13 February – 22nd February, the camp immersed participants in community service, participatory rural appraisal, social mapping, cultural exchange, and skill development.
Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Keval Naik, Camp Coordinator, stated, “The camp was an extraordinary 10-day immersive experience, where community service, participatory rural appraisal, social mapping, cultural exchange, and diverse skill-building activities came together to create a transformative journey and it instilled a profound sense of social responsibility.”
The camp commenced with visits to key rural institutions, including the Community Health Centre in Canacona and the Cotigao Panchayat Office. These visits provided students with firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities of rural healthcare and governance. At the health centre, discussions with medical staff focused on maternal and child health services, public health initiatives, and the accessibility of essential medical care, while the Panchayat Office visit shed light on grassroots efforts in waste management and local governance, underlining the importance of community-driven developmental policies.
An interactive workshop on women’s and children’s safety, led by Police Inspector Sudiksha Naik, further underscored the camp’s multifaceted approach. This session addressed critical issues such as domestic violence, child protection, and online safety, empowering community members with the legal knowledge and practical guidance needed to report and prevent abuse. In addition, the “Roots & Realities: Understanding Tribal Life” workshop took students into tribal hamlets, where they explored the rich cultural traditions and socioeconomic challenges faced by the Velip, Gawda, and Kunbi communities, thereby deepening their understanding of indigenous heritage.
In a dedicated effort to promote early childhood development, students visited a local Anganwadi in Char Rasta where they engaged young children through creative activities. Meanwhile, digital literacy and cyber safety were addressed through dynamic street plays performed under the “Click, Think, Act” theme at locations including Canacona Market, KTC Bus Stand, and Mallikarjun Higher Secondary School. These performances used interactive dramatizations to highlight cyberbullying, online fraud, and the importance of responsible digital behavior, sparking vibrant community discussions on the need for online safety.
Environmental responsibility also featured prominently in the camp’s agenda. In collaboration with the Canacona Municipal Council, students organized a community cleanliness drive titled “Clean, Green, Serene” and conducted a door-to-door awareness campaign in Cotigao Panchayat. These initiatives educated local households on the importance of waste segregation and sustainable disposal practices, demonstrating how collective action can lead to significant environmental improvements. Complementing these efforts were specialized workshops that enhanced practical skills: a two-day training on “Mastering Street Theatre for Social Change” empowered students with performance and advocacy techniques; a session on “Slither Safe: Workshop on Understanding Snake Safety” equipped participants with knowledge on snake behavior and first-aid measures; and the “Learn, Grow, Lead: Building Life Skills for Success” workshop honed critical communication, decision-making, and leadership skills. Additionally, the “Wild Wonders: Workshop on Understanding Wildlife & Ecology” deepened participants’ understanding of conservation and the importance of human-wildlife coexistence.
The camp concluded with the “Reflect, Celebrate, Inspire” closing ceremony on 22nd February, a heartfelt event that brought together cultural performances, reflective sharing, and traditional folklore, including the vibrant “Polli Samelan – Gudulo” led by Shri Sanjay Tawadkar. In his remarks, Prof. Ganesha Somayaji, Dean of the School, emphasized that experiential learning is the backbone of social work education, noting that the camp’s diverse experiences have equipped students with empathy and a renewed commitment to driving social change. MSW student Pooja Phadte reflected that the camp was a transformative experience, deepening their connection with both the community and nature.
Rural Camp 2025 stands as a testament to Goa University’s dedication to experiential education and community empowerment. By integrating academic rigor with practical, hands-on activities, the camp has laid a robust foundation for future university-community collaborations and continues to inspire lasting social change.
