The valedictory ceremony of the Capacity Building Program, 2022-23, conducted by the Centre for Social Action, was held on April 14, 2023, at Sarvodaya – Capacity Building Centre, Goregaon East. This valedictory ceremony marked the culmination of the journey of around 49 participants who benefited from the Capacity Building Program.

The Capacity Building Program, 2022-23 also saw the participation of members from the transgender community, who also took the lead in the anchoring and the talk show which were a part of the valedictory ceremony. We were privileged to have Bishop Percival Fernandez as the Chief Guest along with the Director of CSA Fr. Joseph Gonsalves and the presence of the Center Heads of different community centers.

The valedictory ceremony began with an enthralling welcome song and prayer by the participants of the Capacity Building Program. It was a pleasure to witness the testimonies given by the participants stating their learnings from the Capacity Building Program. Further, during the talk show, participants shared how the Capacity Building Program helped them positively enhance their skills and personality. They also appreciated the faculty and CSA staff’s dedication and hard work.

In his motivational message to the participants Fr. Joseph Gonsalves mentioned that he was delighted and content to witness the positive results stated by the participants and he appealed to everyone to put into practice the knowledge they have received through the course. He also announced that CSA would plan on advanced courses in the future to train the volunteers. Finally, Fr. Joseph thanked everyone for their presence and thanked the CSA team members for their commitment.

The sessions ended with the awarding of certificates by Bishop Percival to all the participants. The joyous moments between the enthused participants and the Bishop were captured in the photographs clicked by the participant volunteers.

An action song performed by the energetic ladies of Canossa Jeevan Vikas Kendra, Andheri, towards the close of the ceremony added to the enjoyment and energy of the day. The ceremony ended with a sumptuous meal for all the participants who used the occasion to interact with each other and strengthen the bonds of camaraderie with each other.