AT MARNA SIOLIM
On March 30th, 2022 the teaching staff, support staff and the students bid an emotional farewell to our outgoing President of I.S.E.A.F Mr. Jacob Mathew and the I.S.E.A.F. Secretary, founder and director of the home nursing bureau.
Teacher Vanessa Rodrigues welcomed the dignitaries along with the President elect Mr. Gerard Delaney and his wife Marianinha to the dais along with Mr. & Mrs. Jacob and the other governing council members.
Quoting John Dewey an education reformist “education is not preparation, education is life itself” and this is exactly what an institute such as ours believes in, said Vanessa as she addressed the gathering.
She hailed the stalwarts – the Jacob couple for rendering over 3 decades of service with I.S.E.A.F and now it was time for them to hang up their boots and retire in style.
Later the President elect showered accolades on the Jacobs for their selfless and dedicated service towards all 3 institutes and added they were Pillars of strength to the founder Mr. Rudolf Schwartz to carry the mission forward towards the academically and economically backward sections of society and wished them the very best for the future.
Mr. Delaney then felicitated Mr. Jacob with a shawl and a coconut, while the new director of the Nursing bureau Mrs. Sabina Dsouza felicitated Madam Stella Jacob with the same.
An emotionally choked Mr. Jacob shared his rich experiences and at the same time narrated a funny incident trying to brighten the faces of his teary-eyed staff and students.
Mrs. Jacob too graced us with advice to students and staff to grab opportunities and scale the heights of success. She also advised the new governing council to be the torch bearers of all the 3 institutes and take it to greater heights. She even thanked many of her ex-staff and appreciated the tireless efforts of the present staff for extending their helping hands to her in the day-to-day routine.
Two of our students, master Judan and master Daniel expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards Mr. and Mrs. Jacob and even composed and sang a song.
Finally, the vote of thanks was given by Mr. Peter D’Souza who stated that 2 people from Kerala had done something for our youth which no other Goan had done. A Pall of gloom had descended on the organization after the two stalwarts had proposed to retire. He said that the parents who gave birth to three institutes and a mother of the home nursing bureau had handed over their children to caretakers and added that it will be difficult and an uphill task to follow.
You have done so much for this beautiful state of Goa which no Goan has ever done till date. Your works will be written in letters of Gold in our hearts forever”, said Mr. Dsouza and also added that the new team and the staff would have to knock at the doors of their guardians for advice as and when required.
He wished them a healthy and happy retired life.
Zina Fernandes shared her gratitude towards the Jacobs, and Mrs. Delaney concluded the function by singing a hymn “May the good Lord Bless and Keep you”.
Vanessa then invited the guests to the restaurant to partake in a meal in honor of the Jacobs.
A sumptuous buffet was prepared by Sir Adrian and his students, which was enjoyed by all.
(Peter Dsouza)
