Goa’s first community radio station launched, to drive career mapping for students

Panaji, Aug 22 (IANS) Goa’s first community radio station, Radio Mandovi 88.4 FM, was officially launched in Moira on Saturday, marking a new effort to give local communities a platform to share their voices and expand access to education and information.

Founded by Dr Ashwin Fernandes under the PACT Foundation, the station is based in Moira, where its broadcasting tower has also been installed.

Radio Mandovi 88.4 FM will formally begin its broadcasting from Sunday.

The launch coincided with the third Foundation Day of the PACT Foundation, which has been working with schools across Goa to empower young people through educational initiatives.

“Today is our PACT Foundation Day, our third Foundation Day. It marks the launch of Radio Mandovi 88.4 FM and Goa Future Ready,” Fernandes said.

He said the foundation’s work already covered more than 41 schools across five talukas in Goa and that the community radio station would help extend its outreach.

“It is a democratic initiative, so it is really something for us to be able to work with the community and give the community a voice,” Fernandes said.

The PACT Foundation also unveiled its Goa Futures Ready initiative, aimed at helping school students identify suitable career paths.

Fernandes said the programme would use psychometric assessments for high school students, followed by career mapping and preparation for the future of work.

Actor Bhumi Pednekar, who attended the launch event, stressed the importance of making quality education accessible to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

She said educational opportunities should extend beyond conventional academic careers and enable students to pursue fields ranging from sports and the film industry to science.

“I am very grateful to be a part of this forum that has such incredible stories. I am so inspired. I truly believe the only way to have a strong, thriving society and a strong, thriving country is by giving strong education, especially to students who don’t have access to the means that other students in cities have,” Pednekar said.

She said initiatives such as those undertaken by the PACT Foundation could help address disparities in educational access, particularly for children outside major urban centres.

“This is something that is very dear to my heart. I individually have been working in Madhya Pradesh doing something similar, and I actually wanted to learn from Dr. Ashwin, what are the systems and processes that he has put together to bring about such large impact,” Pednekar said.

Highlighting the importance of broadening horizons for children, the actor said, “There are sections within our society that don’t have access to the kind of education that gives them a platform on a global stage. It is just not about taking the traditional route of education; it is also about giving opportunity to become a sportsperson, somebody from the film industry, or a NASA scientist.”

“The world should be your oyster, and we need to strengthen our systems so that every child gets an opportunity to fulfill their dreams,” she added.

–IANS

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