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EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Toronto, Canada January 1994

Five Goans Given Canadian Experience by the International Goan Organization

Farewell Reception Left to Right - Zulema de Souza (President IGO), Bosco Rodrigues, (Delegate), Salim Kazi (Delegate), Myra Tavares (Director IGO), Norma Collaco (Delegate), Allwyn d'Costa (Delegate), Cellie Gonsalves (Director IGO), Al Mathias (Director IGO), Stanley Dias (Delegate)

Five delegates selected for the Indo-Canadian Enterprise Exchange Program (ICEEP) are packing their bags and on their way back to Goa after being exposed to Canadian business culture over a hectic two month period. The program was sponsored by the sub-committee of the International Goan Organization (IGO), the University of Toronto and Xerox Canada.

"It was an opportunity of a lifetime", said Cellie Gonsalves who initiated, directed and implemented the program. The University of Toronto and Xerox Canada provided intensive customized training; insights into Canadian business culture were given by Stockbrokers, Bank, tock Exchange, Government department, etc. Sightseeing trips to Montreal - our bilingual city, Ottawa - our capital, the power and beauty of nature at Niagara Falls and a visit to see the Toronto Maple Leafs Ice Hockey team in action were included," added Cellie Gonsalves, "not only that, they also joined us at dances, parties and nostalgic celebrations of the Navelim village feast in Canada."

A total of 86 people were mobilized to assist in this pilot project which was launched in November 1`6, 1993 when Norma Collaso, Allwyn D'Costa, Stanley Dias, Salim Kazi and Bosco Rodrigues arrived in Canada. All five delegates were originally rejected visas to Canada.

"The Business Exchange Program has been an eye-opener to see how business systems operate in Canada. " said Allwyn D'Costa, "the learning attained from this trip will certainly help me to set up my venture more effectively."

Each delegate was asked to focus on one project they would like to implement on their return to Goa. Using the Strategic Management Process, they had to make a presentation on their respective Business Plan to the "Board" in addition to providing a report.

"The idea is that our delegates would return to Goa with an initial plan," said Zulema de Souza, president of the IGO sub-committee responsible for organizing academic and technical training, "and refine it on their return to Goa prior to implementation. We believe they will be successful and positively contribute to the Goan economy."

What were the negatives - of course it had to be the cold weather. The delegates braved sub zero temperatures to attend meetings, lectures and presentations. As Norma Collaso put it, "Hi-tech and cold! It was a real eye opening experience."

How much did all this cost the delegates? "Just the airfare," said Al Mathias the Treasurer, "the IGO picked up all the other costs - estimated at $70,000 Canadian."

The Minister of Law & Judiciary, Goa - Hon. Luizinho Faleiro assisted the IGO in the selection of the delegates which had to be completed within a very short time frame because the sponsorship by Xerox applied to 1993 only.