Marthandam Integrated Development Society (MIDS)
The social apostolate wing of the Diocese of Marthandam has been functioning for more than 27 years with the aim of building a just society based on love inspired by the Catholic Social Teachings, Constitution of India, and United Nations Organization. To ensure sustainable development, numerous programmes have been implemented to eradicate poverty and injustice, and to foster ecological protection.
A Just Society Based
On Love
Empowerment of the
Marginalized
Section
Achieve Holistic Development of the Marginalized & weaker Sections
Children's Education cum Development
- Children’s Sponsorship Programme
- Higher Education Scholarships
- Personality and Leadership Development
- Talent Development
- Parental Training
MIDS believe that providing quality education and fostering the overall development of children is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for a brighter future
Self-Help Groups
The purpose of these groups is to meet the basic needs of the people, promote economic growth, and help members overcome debt problems
- Credit Support
- Capacity Building
- Recognition
MIDS continues to empower rural women, improve their socio-economic status, and promote self-employment through these dedicated SHGs.
Women Empowerment
Women empowerment is essential for achieving gender equality and fostering a just and inclusive society
- Widow Support Programs
- Income Generation Program
- Skill Development and Training
- Support for Self-Help Group
MIDS strives to empower women, enabling them to overcome social barriers, achieve financial stability, and contribute positively to their communities
Kolping
Blessed Rev. Father Adolph Kolping, founded the "Traveling Workers Association" with 7 members on May 6, 1849, in Cologne, Germany. After his time, the association evolved into the "Kolping Movement."
- An exemplary Christian
- An exemplary family head
- An exemplary worker
- An exemplary citizen
When the Marthandam Diocese was established in 1997, there were 15 Kolping families. Today, it has grown to 103 families.
Family Development Programme
The Family Development Program is a cornerstone of MIDS’s mission to uplift marginalized communities and foster holistic growth.
- Support and Development
- Periodic House Visits
- Financial Assistance
MIDS is dedicated to uplifting rural families through the Family Enrichment Programme, helping them achieve economic stability and holistic development.
IGP & Skill Training
Income Generation Programs and Skill Training are essential for fostering self-reliance and economic stability among underprivileged communities.
By integrating IGP and Skill Training into our community development efforts, MIDS helps individuals move from dependency to self-sufficiency
Save A Family Plan (SAFP)
The Save A Family Plan - Family Development Programme (FDP) is an initiative aimed at empowering marginalized families in our operational areas
- Orientation and Support
- Economic Activities
- Impact
MIDS remains committed to supporting marginalized families through the Family Development Programme, helping them achieve economic stability and enhanced well-being.
Ezhuvom Iyakkam
MIDS' EzhuvomIyakkam Cancer Care Project aims to raise awareness and promote community actions to prevent cancer.
- Programme Launch
- Volunteer Training
- Cancer Screening Camps
- World Cancer Day
Palliative care services were arranged for bedridden patients with the support of Sree Ram Cancer Centre, Nagercoil.
Vulnerable Group Upliftment
Supporting vulnerable groups such as Dalits and migrants is essential for creating an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
- Dalit Movement
- CEI Migrants Project
The Vulnerable Group Upliftment program at MIDS focuses on addressing the specific challenges faced by marginalized communities, including Dalits, migrants, and other vulnerable populations. Uplifting these groups is crucial for fostering social equity, economic stability, and overall community well-being.
Ecological Conservation
Ecological conservation is crucial for maintaining a balance between human needs and environmental health, ensuring a sustainable future for both people and the planet.
- Organic Agriculture Promotion
- Sustainable Agriculture Promotion
- Promotion of Papaya Cultivation
- Rain Water Harvesting
- Vermi Composting Promotion
- Farmers Club
Emergency Response to Disasters
MIDS has consistently provided crucial support during natural disasters such as tsunamis, cyclones, floods, and other calamities.
- Rapid Relief Distribution
- Medical Assistance
- Counseling and Emotional Support
- Rehabilitation Efforts
- Community Mobilization
The organization's proactive and compassionate approach ensures that those in need receive the necessary aid and support during challenging times.
Impacted Population
Projects
Year of Service
Our Team
Volunteers
Latest News
Breaking the Cycle- Voices from the Field to Integrate Family Strengthening Principles to Practice
09/Sep/2025
MIDS participated in the regional webinar called “Breaking the Cycle – Voices from the Field to Integrate Family Strengthening Principles to Practice.” on 9/9/2025. The session highlighted best practices and lived experiences from the Western and Central regions of India, with a strong focus on the role of families and communities in preventing child–family separation. Participants had the opportunity to learn about innovative family strengthening practices, the challenges faced by communities, and the critical gaps that need to be addressed to ensure children grow in safe and nurturing environments. One of the best practices presented was the work of the Family Service Centre (FSC) in Mumbai, a civil society organization established in 1955. FSC has pioneered alternative family care and community outreach programs, supporting families through adoption, educational sponsorship, temporary family care, counseling, and empowerment initiatives. Each year, their educational sponsorship program reaches over 450 children and families, while the temporary family care initiative, supported by the Maharashtra State Government, provides an alternative to institutional care for children in crisis. In addition, their community interventions focus on education, health, livelihood, and capacity building for children, women, and youth, helping families to build resilience and stability. Another significant model discussed was the Safe City Program in Bhopal, a UNICEF-supported initiative implemented with local partners to strengthen child protection networks at the ward level, build local mechanisms, and enhance children’s agency. This program follows a people-centric approach, offering flexible responses to vulnerable communities such as Vimukta tribes, urban Adivasi groups, and children of single or no parents. The discussions also shed light on common challenges, including lack of awareness among families, complex family dynamics such as addiction and instability, frequent migration, documentation barriers, coordination gaps between NGOs and government bodies, and shortage of trained social workers. While laws in India prioritize family-based care, translating this into ground-level practice requires time, trust, and significant resources. The way forward identified during the webinar included regular community sensitization sessions, stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration, holistic models that integrate psychosocial, legal, financial, health, and educational support, and continuous capacity building of frontline workers. Overall, the webinar was a powerful reminder that each child deserves to grow up in a family environment. Families and communities, even when fragile, can become resilient when supported with the right interventions. The learnings encourage us to look beyond institutional solutions and instead focus on empowering families as the true foundation of child protection and holistic development.
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World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
30/Jul/2025
On July 30, 2025, to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, six of our MIDS team members including our Director Rev. Fr. Jerome C. participated in a powerful and eye-opening webinar organized by Caritas India titled “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation.” Over 90 participants from around the world joined this session, making it a truly global dialogue on one of the most pressing challenges. The session focused on how disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and pandemics often create the perfect environment for trafficking networks to exploit vulnerable populations. It was highlighted that during these times, when families are displaced, institutions are weakened, and law enforcement is diverted, traffickers prey on the most vulnerable especially children, women, migrants, and economically poor families. The speakers presented real examples, such as the Nepal Earthquake in 2015 and Cyclone Amphan in 2020, to show the rise in trafficking incidents following major disasters. The session also covered key indicators of trafficking, such as lack of access to personal documents, visible signs of abuse, and restricted communication. Participants learned about the importance of including anti-trafficking measures in disaster response plans, setting up safe spaces, training frontline workers, creating multilingual helplines, and promoting women’s livelihoods to reduce vulnerability. NGOs were recognized as having a critical role in prevention and protection, especially in creating child-friendly spaces and supporting survivors. The session also touched on emerging trends like online trafficking, fake skill training centers, and exploitation through IVF and egg donation scams. It further addressed the real challenges in rescue and rehabilitation, such as delayed FIRs, family pressure, poor shelter facilities, and lengthy legal procedures. The webinar concluded with a strong call for collaborative action to protect migrants’ rights, embed anti-trafficking systems into disaster response, and ensure survivors receive ongoing mental health, legal, and economic support. This learning experience has significantly strengthened MIDS to advocate for justice, safety, and dignity for all, especially the most vulnerable among us.
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World Environment Day 2025
05/Jun/2025
World Environment Day 2025 Theme: Solutions to Plastic Pollution Date: 5th June 2025 Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM (IST) Organized by: Caritas India In observance of World Environment Day 2025, Caritas India hosted a powerful webinar on “Solutions to Plastic Pollution”, bringing together a diverse group of thought leaders, innovators, and activists committed to reimagining plastic waste as a resource for sustainability and social change. Over 100 participants from around the world joined this session, making it a truly global dialogue on one of the most pressing environmental challenges. Representatives from Marthandam Integrated Development Society (MIDS) Mrs. Jeseentha and Mr. Shabin, coordinators actively participated in this insightful session and gained valuable new insights. Speaker Highlights: Mr. Paul Koshi – Co-founder, Unified Intelligence Pvt Ltd Topic: Waste = Untapped Wealth Mr. Koshi showcased how discarded plastic wrappers from the food industry can be transformed into eco-friendly construction blocks. These blocks are waterproof, thermally insulated, earthquake-resistant, and used in classrooms, houses, and cold storage units for farmers. His innovation exemplifies how plastic waste can be repurposed into sustainable infrastructure materials that are both cost-effective and environmentally responsible. Mr. Samuel Omondi – National Director, Caritas Kenya Topic: Plastic Pollution Control: Kenya’s Experience Mr. Omondi shared Kenya’s pioneering efforts in banning plastic bags and implementing PET recycling initiatives. Despite early resistance, policy changes and legal amendments led to one of the world’s strictest plastic bag bans. He emphasized that policy enforcement, public awareness, and political will are critical to sustained impact in plastic waste reduction. Ms. Ruchi Sharma – Lead – CSR and Partnerships, KRAFTON India Topic: Plastic-Free Communities: Driving Change through CSR, Partnerships & People Power Ms. Sharma emphasized community participation and the role of CSR in enabling systemic change. She advocated for partnerships among NGOs, citizens, and government bodies to build plastic-free communities. Her message centered on trust, empowerment, and the need for grassroots, volunteer-led movements to shift from short-term cleanups to long-term solutions. Dr. Haridas – Environmental Health Expert Topic: Invisible Threat: Microplastics’ Impact Dr. Haridas drew attention to the pervasive presence of microplastics in our food, water, and environment. From plastic water tanks to seafood, he highlighted the health risks posed by these invisible particles. He recommended practical steps like avoiding shellfish, not microwaving food in plastic, and drinking filtered water to reduce exposure. Dr. Randika Jayasinghe – Environmental Scientist Topic: From Waste to Wealth: Building Sustainable Livelihoods Through Plastic Innovations Dr. Jayasinghe shared inspiring stories of upcycling plastic waste into useful products-shoes, furniture, building materials, and even roads. She called for source segregation, energy recovery from non-recyclables, and product design focused on recyclability. Her message reinforced how innovation can turn plastic pollution into economic opportunities, especially for marginalized communities. This webinar served as a rich learning platform, demonstrating that plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, but a social and economic challenge and that the solutions must be collaborative, inclusive, and innovative. MIDS is committed to incorporating these insights into our ongoing work for environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
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Navigating Gender and Sexual Identities in Family-Based Care
26/Mar/2025
The webinar on Navigating Gender and Sexual Identities in the Context of Family-Based Care was organized by IACN (India Alternative Care Network) on 26th March. The session provided valuable insights into the importance of inclusive care for children, particularly those with diverse gender identities, emphasizing family and community-based support rather than institutional care. The moderator highlighted that children should not be confined to institutional settings (CCIs) and should instead be nurtured within families and communities that provide holistic support and emotional stability. Dr. Sangeeta spoke about the significance of recognizing gender diversity, explaining that gender identity is distinct from sexual identity. She emphasized that identities are innate and should be accepted rather than forced into societal norms. Ms. Rajkumar shared her personal experiences of discrimination, including the challenges she faced while staying in a boys' hostel, where she was pressured to conform to male norms. She spoke about the bullying and exclusion she endured and stressed the need for institutions to foster inclusivity. She urged CCIs and schools to adopt supportive approaches rather than alienating children based on their gender expression. Mr. Dit underscored the importance of belongingness, stating that institutional care should always be the last resort. He emphasized the need for greater societal awareness regarding the struggles transgender individuals face. Many parents, unable to understand their child’s gender expression, often send them to CCIs instead of providing the necessary emotional and social support at home. This webinar was an enlightening experience, reinforcing the need for inclusive policies and social change to ensure the dignity and well-being of all children, regardless of their gender identity. Our organization remains committed to advocating for family and community-based care models that respect and support every child's individuality.
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