On 23rd March, 2007, NGO networking meeting was held in
Sanmitra Trust, Goregaon. It was the 3rd NGO Forum meeting and first of its kind at Sanmitra’s office.
Name of the NGO Representatives
OJUS MEDICAL INSTITUTE Dr. Asavari, Herwadkar
Meena Lokhande
HOPE FOUNDATION Inder Kumar bhan (social worker)
Premlata Chaudhari
MEDICINE SAN FRONTIERS: Sanjana S. (IEC coordinator)
GREGORIAN COMMUNITY Ashwin Fernandes (Director)
(Bishop’s house, Vashi, New Mumbai)
OSHIWARA HOSPITAL Kavita Shinde
SANMITRA Professor Prabha Desai,
Anthony Fernandes,
Dr. Ashish Bhosale,
CWW (U. K.) Maria Peaman, Angelina.
A documentary film made by Dr. George ex-medical officer of MSF in the year 2004 on HIV+ people and their approach to life, was screened. After which the discussion started.
Dr. Asavari Herwadkar and Meena Lokhande said that since this is a networking meeting i.e. NGO’s Stake-holder’s Forum meeting, we should talk on general topics like women empowerment, vocational institutions, government body, corporate bodies, education, children, destitute, etc. which is not concerning with HIV alone but all over development of the society or it will be like running a parallel forum of HIV/AIDS. Services may not be the same.
All the representatives should use their contacts in their area and invite other NGO’s and get them involved. Our goal should be that of expanding our network by adding more NGOs to help the under privileged sector to meet their goals through micro credit to sustain economic and social empowerment and build a platform by bringing together government agencies and non-government agencies, corporate sector, Temple Trust, Church Trust and local voluntary service providers e.g. Lotus Eye Hospital, St. Joseph Church etc. so that we be in a position as respectable, responsible, sustainable leaders in the social field. Our focus should be on building and increasing interaction among service providers and positive people. We should get experts from society and other related support agencies to empower the poor and needy people by educating them in modern techniques, employable skills like computer education, vocational classes, and English language and also in local language translation so that they can live the life they want to achieve.
Professor Prabha Desai, chairperson of Sanmitra, spoke of vocational industrial work e.g. Evergreen Engg. And other co.’s in MIDC, about Group therapy, Work therapy in government hospitals, to be carried out for People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLHAs), affected and vulnerable marginalized people. Mr. Anthony from Sanmitra Trust said that L & T is providing occupational courses with certificates allotted and also absorbing people who are regular in attendance and having good insight in work and well behaved. She also referred FICCI. She said it all depends on market and networking.
Meena Lokhande of Ojus said we will call various NGO’S and Organizations, Stake holders, SHG, to develop the network and move towards the federation of NGO sector to have a strong and permanent impact on our work strategy which will be for the long run and beneficial for the society. For this, we should link up with existing e networking bodies like Karmayog. Our Agenda should be to form a mission and vision for a noble cause.
Maria Peaman from U.K. spoke of her organization, Challenges Worldwide in Edinburgh and its networking. She also mentioned of a meeting on Friday at Don Bosco’s Matunga where Alex Page of CWW will be giving a presentation on CWW’s proposed expansion in India.
Snacks and tea were served for all. Lastly Dr. Asavari said that the Name of the NGO’s and their activities presentation will be done through Power point on a big screen during which all the representatives will be honored by rose flowers so that less time is taken for introduction of all present at their meeting with Times Foundation and others.
The committee of 4 members (Meena Lokhande, Ashwin Fernandes, Anthony and Sanjana) was formed for the further action plans.
The meeting ended with the note of thanks by Mr. Anthony.
Minutes by
Sanmitra Trust