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On October 28th and 29th, 2024, a seminar on "Psychotherapy Approaches for Recovery from Alcohol Addiction" was conducted by the Tamil Nadu Addiction Treatment Providers Network in collaboration with Puthuvasantham Addiction Treatment Ministry. Held at the Puthuvasantham De-addiction Centre in Tholayavattam, the event brought together by the team to discuss the latest approaches in addiction recovery. Seven staff members from Marthandam Integrated Development Society (MIDS) attended, gaining invaluable insights into effective psychotherapy techniques for addiction recovery. The seminar included six sessions led by experts in addiction treatment. Rev. Dr. S. Alwin Mathan Raj opened with a session on understanding and addressing emotional disabilities, exploring symptoms, manifestations, and psychotherapeutic interventions. Rev. Fr. Maria Martin followed with an in-depth analysis of personality disorders, emphasizing holistic healing that integrates body, mind, and spirit. Rev. Dr. Maria William then covered the role of forgiveness in relationships, drawing on the psychosocial models of Worthington and Enright. Rev. Dr. Stephen's session focused on therapeutic counseling, mental health support, medical assistance, relapse prevention, and family support systems. The following day, Rev. Dr. Francis Xavier Nelson led a session on living with clarity and purpose under the guidance of a higher power, encouraging reflection on both current and future psychological approaches to addiction treatment. At the conclusion of the seminar, participants, including the MIDS team, were awarded certificates in recognition of their commitment to advancing addiction recovery. Rev. Dr. Francis Xavier Nelson extended a vote of thanks, bringing the seminar to a close.

Scaling Resilience for Future Impacts: MIDS Participates in Child-Centered Disaster Risk Reduction Webinar On October 14, 2024, the Marthandam Integrated Development Society (MIDS) took part in a webinar organized by Caritas India in observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. The event, titled "Scaling Resilience for Future Impacts," brought together 139 participants, including climate change experts and disaster specialists from India and abroad. This year's focus, The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Children, highlighted the importance of teaching children about disaster preparedness and response. Children and youth, being highly vulnerable during disasters, must be educated according to their age and capacity to better protect themselves and their communities. Speakers emphasized the need for community-based disaster reduction programs, child-friendly spaces, and multistakeholder engagement, encouraging schools, local governments, NGOs, and volunteers to play an active role. MIDS representatives reinforced their organization's commitment to protecting children and fostering community resilience through education, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 17. As the world confronts a growing climate emergency, child-centered approaches remain essential to saving lives and livelihoods.