Goan project wins award for work with at-risk young people

ASSISI, Italy, May 27, 2025: Caritas Goa, a well-known NGO based in Goa, was awarded the “Francis of Assisi and Carlo Acutis International Prize for an Economy of Fraternity” on May 25 for its transformative initiative, Project HOPE. The project, which serves abused, abandoned, and disabled individuals in Goa, was selected from among 60 global submissions across 30 countries.

The award was conferred during a ceremony held at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Assisi, Italy, by Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi, Stefania Proietti, President of the Umbria Region, Fr Roberto Genuin, Minister General of the Friars Minor Capuchin, and Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo. Fr Sanford Rodrigues and Fr Alvison Fernandes, Goan student priests currently pursuing studies in Rome, accepted the award on behalf of Caritas Goa.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Fr Maverick Fernandes, Director of Caritas Goa, described the recognition as both humbling and empowering.

“We are very happy to win this prestigious award,” he said. “This was an international recognition. Our project was evaluated by a panel of international experts. To be selected as the winner of the award is an honour for our entire team.”

Fr. Fernandes explained that Project HOPE—which stands for Healing, Opportunities, Protection, and Empowerment—was born out of a growing need within the local community. “We saw youth who were abandoned and abused, individuals with disabilities, and women who were experiencing domestic violence. Project HOPE was our response—a space where dignity, livelihood, and community could be restored to such individuals,” he said.

The project operates a helpline offering direct access to counselling and support services. Beyond initial healing, the team helps beneficiaries identify and access opportunities for self-reliance. A notable initiative includes vocational training in making eco-friendly, handcrafted products such as toilet paper rolls, handicrafts and biodegradable packaging. These are developed into marketable hospitality kits through a unique partnership with the hospitality sector in Goa.

A landmark achievement of Project HOPE is its collaboration with Taj Hotels. The hotel chain has provided an outlet at Taj Exotica, Benaulim, where beneficiaries can stock, market and sell their creations. “This is a concrete expression of the ‘Economy of Fraternity’ that the late Pope Francis championed—an economy that prioritises people over profit,” Fr Fernandes emphasised.

Fr. Fernandes emphasised that the Project Hope team sees themselves “not merely as recipients, but as sharers of this award”.

“While we may have been selected as the winners, we consider the other 59 applicants to be fellow changemakers,” he said.

He added that Caritas Goa plans to create a WhatsApp group to establish an international network, one that will foster collaboration not only with the current applicants but also with past and future participants of the award.

Looking ahead, Caritas Goa plans to expand Project HOPE across India by collaborating with local changemakers. “Our dream is for Project HOPE to spread across the country, creating centres of hope wherever they’re needed,” Fr Fernandes shared.

By Catholic Connect Reporter