Team Goemkarponn
Pernem: As part of Social Inclusion Week 2025, the Social Work Programme of the D. D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, Goa University, in collaboration with the Human Touch Foundation and the UGC Centre for Study of Social Inclusion, organized a Community Engagement Day with the Kathkari Tribal Community on 24th January 2025. Themed “From Margins to Connection,” the initiative aimed to empower the Kathkari, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), by addressing systemic barriers through targeted interventions.
Delayed Birth and Marriage Registration Camp
The highlight of the engagement was a camp for delayed birth and marriage registration, designed to provide legal identity to members of the Kathkari community residing in Malpem, Virnoda, Pernem. The community has historically faced challenges in accessing administrative services due to systemic exclusion.
Social work students and faculty, along with volunteers from the Pernem Free Legal Aid Cell, worked in collaboration with the Human Touch Foundation to assist the community in completing documentation and applications for delayed birth and marriage registrations. This intervention will help unlock access to essential rights, including education, healthcare, and welfare schemes.
Peter F. Borges, Assistant Professor of Social Work and event coordinator, shared: “This programme bridges the gap between the Kathkari community and the legal system, ensuring they can access their rightful entitlements. It’s about dignity, rights, and inclusion.”
Health Camp Supported by IMA Bardez and Department of Radiology and Oral Medicine
The event also featured a health camp, supported by IMA Bardez and the Department of Radiology and Oral Medicine, offering general health check-ups, dental screenings, and consultations. Social work students played a vital role in mobilizing the community and assisting healthcare professionals, ensuring the smooth delivery of services.
Hut Renovation Activity
Another impactful activity was the hut renovation project, where social work students, faculty, and community members worked together to improve living conditions. This hands-on effort highlighted the importance of sustainable housing as a foundation for resilience and community well-being.
Participation and Support
The programme saw active participation from 30 MSW students and 6 faculty members of Goa University, along with volunteers from the Pernem Free Legal Aid Cell. The initiative was supported by Turbocam International Pvt. Ltd., the Harley Owners Group Goa, Baywatch Resort, and generous contributions from individual donors.
The presence of Prof. Ganesha Somayaji, Dean of the D. D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, underscored the university’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and social change. Prof. Somayaji commended the effort, stating: “This initiative reflects the university’s dedication to bridging the gap between academia and grassroots realities, creating real-world impact.”
Collaboration and Impact
The Community Engagement Day exemplified the transformative potential of partnerships. The collaboration between Goa University, Human Touch Foundation, IMA Bardez, Goa Dental College and Hospital, and other supporters ensured the success of the event.
The programme provided a valuable experiential learning opportunity for social work students, allowing them to apply academic knowledge in addressing real-world social challenges. It also served as a platform to build awareness and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities like the Kathkari.