Gabriel Pereira, an Organ Donation Ambassador from the MOHAN Foundation, conducted an organ donation awareness session for about 350 students in Classes 9 and 10 at St. Thomas Girls’ High School, Aldona, Bardez, recently.
The session was interactive, with Pereira engaging the students through questions about transplant hospitals in Goa and the organs and tissues that can be donated and transplanted in the state. The session rewarded students who answered correctly with a token, encouraging them to participate actively and learn more about the subject.
Pereira explained that although the students were young and will not yet be eligible to register as organ donors, they could become ambassadors of organ donation awareness by sharing the knowledge they gained with their parents, family members, and friends.
Pereira also highlighted that although many people express their willingness to donate their organs, only a small proportion of deaths occur under circumstances that make organ donation medically possible. Through this explanation, he helped the students understand the importance of accurate information and the need to create awareness about organ and tissue donation.
To extend the message beyond the school auditorium, Pereira distributed frequently asked questions (FAQs) flyers to the students. He encouraged them to take the flyers home, share them with their parents, and discuss the information with their families. This initiative aimed to spread awareness beyond the school and encourage informed family conversations about organ donation.
At the end of the session, Pereira expressed his gratitude to the headmistress, Sr. Snehala AC (Apostolic Carmel), for providing him with this opportunity. He also thanked the class teachers who accompanied the students and supported the session.
