Goa, May 26 -- Project HOPE, based in Goa, India, has been honored with the prestigious "Francis of Assisi and Carlo Acutis, for an economy of fraternity" international prize for 2024-2025, recognizing its transformative work with at-risk youth and survivors of abuse. The award ceremony took place on Sunday, May 25, at the Church of St. Mary Major in Assisi, Italy.

The project's name, Healing, Opportunities, Protection, and Empowerment-reflects its mission to support vulnerable young adults, especially those over 18 who are deaf-blind or survivors of abuse. Project HOPE grew out of Caritas Goa's Childline helpline program, which focused on rescuing and rehabilitating children from neglected villages. When the government took over Childli...