An informative and engaging awareness session on organ donation was conducted at St. Lawrence High School, Agassaim, Goa, on April 17, 2026. The session was led by Mr. Gabriel Pereira, an organ donation ambassador from the MOHAN Foundation, who addressed approximately 150 students of the institution.
The primary objective of the session was to educate young students about the importance of organ donation and to inspire them to become responsible citizens in the future. He highlighted that organ donation is legally permitted only after the age of 18, as minors are not eligible donors. However, he emphasised that spreading awareness from a young age is crucial, as students represent the future of Goa and can play a vital role in promoting this noble cause.
The session was highly interactive, encouraging active participation from the students. He posed questions related to transplant hospitals and the organs and tissues that can be donated within the state. Students who answered correctly were rewarded with pens, which further motivated participation and kept the audience engaged throughout. In addition to organ donation, Gabriel also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He advised students to make the most of the midday meals provided by the state government, avoid sugary and aerated drinks, consume home-cooked food, engage in outdoor games, and limit the use of mobile phones to protect their eyesight and overall health. He also drew attention to the challenges faced by patients undergoing dialysis multiple times a week, helping students understand the value of good health.
Through his presentation, he shared inspiring stories of organ recipients who have gone on to lead successful lives, including participation in national and international sports events. He also spoke about a liver transplant recipient who competed internationally in Germany and shared the story of a girl who underwent a double hand transplant. These real-life examples reinforced the message that organ donation is truly the “gift of life.”
He concluded by highlighting that one organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of fifty others through tissue donation. The session left a lasting impression on the students, fostering awareness and empathy towards those in need of organ transplants.
Gabriel expressed his gratitude to the Headmistress, Ms Lona D’Silva, for providing the MOHAN Foundation with the opportunity to address the students on such a significant and life-saving topic.
-ACT,-2011.gif){kind=spacer}
