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
Goat Rearing Initiative
01/Nov/2025
Goat Rearing for Progress is an income-generation initiative dedicated to strengthening the livelihoods of economically disadvantaged families in the Diocese of Marthandam. Through this humanitarian programme, 27 widows and abandoned women have been identified and supported with training, livestock assistance, and continuous capacity-building guidance. The initiative aims to empower vulnerable women to achieve financial independence, rebuild dignity, and lead a stable and fulfilling life. By promoting sustainable rural livelihoods, the programme contributes to long-term socio-economic resilience and uplifts families toward a future of self-reliance and hope.
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MMWS Social Security Day
24/Oct/2025
MIDS Social Security Day MIDS observed Social Security Day with a comprehensive awareness initiative focused on promoting safe and ethical digital practices among MIDS staff members.The session addressed the growing risks associated with internet misuse and digital exploitation, emphasizing proactive safety measures to ensure a secure online environment for all. Key topics covered included: Responsible and safe use of smartphones, computers, and internet services Identifying and preventing online fraud, cyber threats, and phishing scams Safe handling of passwords, OTPs, banking information, and personal data Dangers of unsafe public Wi-Fi networks and unverified applications Protection against cyber addiction, inappropriate digital content, and predatory online platforms, including illegal gaming and harmful adult websites. The program highlighted the importance of digital literacy for social well-being, especially for vulnerable groups such as youth and digitally-new users. Through interactive discussions and real-life case examples, MIDS staff gained practical knowledge to safeguard themselves and their families in an increasingly technology-driven world.
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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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