SHILLONG: The NEHU Catholic Youth Association (NCYA) held April 14 as ‘Charity Sunday’ at the Ferrando Institute of Speech and Hearing (FISH) in Umbir.
The event cantered on the theme ‘We can’t Help Everyone, but everyone can help someone’. Around 110 students from different parts of the country were present on the occasion.
The students had also been raising funds for nearly two months in order to help the differently abled children of FISH.
Besides fund-raising, the students also had to learn the sign language in order to communicate with these children.
The assembly was given a warm welcome by Harish Varghese, the animator of the organising team.
The programme commenced with Holy Eucharist, followed by a short history about the FISH by Sr. Maya Pohshna, Director.
“As I walked down from the bus, two of the children came running to hug me, it made me feel that strangers are friends yet to be discovered.” said Audrey Jasokie, NCYA, president.
“I have never felt more loved,” she added.
“Learning sign language was something that was not an easy task. Looking at those children has challenged me to put an effort in whatever I do,” said Monica Kerketta, one of the participants.
Blaise Ngoruh, another participant added, “There was a particular girl whose willingness to embrace others touched me and built my confidence.”
Gifts, snacks and funds collected for children were distributed.