On August 21, 2025, Mr. Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador with the MOHAN Foundation, conducted an awareness talk on organ donation for the Arts stream students of St. Andrew's Higher Secondary School, New Vaddem, Vasco, Goa.

Founded in 1995, St. Andrew's Higher Secondary School is a co-educational English-medium institution run by the Diocesan Society of Education. The school offers courses in Arts, Commerce, Science, and Vocational streams for students in grades XI and XII.

Using a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Pereira introduced students to the key concepts of organ and tissue donation. He explained the medical definition of brain stem death and clarified how it differs from a coma.

Engaging the students, he asked: “If someone dies at home, can they donate their organs?” After listening to their responses, he explained that in the case of circulatory death at home, organs cannot be donated; however, corneas, skin, and even the body can still be donated. In contrast, a brain-dead person can donate up to eight organs and impact the lives of more than fifty people through tissue donation.

To reinforce the message, Mr. Pereira distributed flyers containing frequently asked questions (FAQs) and stressed the importance of informing family members about one’s decision to donate, as family consent plays a vital role in the process.

The session was attended by nearly 100 students. It concluded with Mr. Pereira expressing his gratitude to Mrs. Sonia Dias for coordinating the program and to the Principal, Dr. Elvis Gonsalves, for his support in facilitating the talk and promoting the cause of organ donation.