A Salesian social development agency has been awarded the first Father Edward D’souza Memorial award meant to honour services rendered to the poor and under privileged.

The Sahayini Social Development Society Vocational Training Centre was given the award on Feb. 23 at a function in Mumbai.

Sister Rosaline Pereira, in charge of Sahayini received the award from Auxiliary Bishop Savio Dominic Fernandes of Bombay archdiocese.

Sahayini has trained and placed 500 marginalized youth and contributed social advancement of the poor.

Adrian Rosario, a member of Bombay catholic Sabha and in-charge of the award selection team said the Sabha instituted the award to perpetuate the memory of Father Edward D’souza, the Sabha’s chaplain who passed away four years ago.

Sahayini Social Development was created to provide programs and services to the poorer and needy children, adolescent girls, women through the community centres established in various locations of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.