SMSSS News

The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS) hosted a one-day camp on 10th October, 2024 at Holy Family Church campus, under the Integrated Child Development Programme (ICDP), aimed at raising awareness about parenting, child development, and community engagement. The event saw an enthusiastic turnout of 109 parents and 137 children from the local community.

Rev. Fr. Clarence Dias, the parish priest of Holy Family Church inaugurated the child development camp, urging parents and students to serve as role models and to dream big. He highlighted the Integrated Child Development Programme (ICDP) as a vital initiative aimed at providing underprivileged children with access to quality education.

The event began with a warm welcome from Ms. T.S. Annie, who expressed her gratitude to the distinguished guests. A heartfelt prayer song performed by the children followed, symbolizing hope and unity within the community. The children then showcased their creativity, setting a joyful tone for the day. The program concluded with remarks from Ms. Sanjana Raphael, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in fostering growth and development within the community.

Fr. Pius D’Souza, Director of SMSSS, delivered an inspiring address that centered on parental responsibilities. He highlighted the importance of instilling financial literacy in children by encouraging parents to save small amounts daily, even as little as one rupee. He urged parents to foster strong connections with the ICDP staff to create a supportive environment conducive to child development.

Mr. Shanmukha, the project coordinator, led an engaging session that emphasized the significance of self-confidence in children. He encouraged parents to dedicate time and effort to nurture their children’s potential and concluded his session with a motivating video that underscored the theme of self-confidence.

Mrs. Gracy also reiterated the importance of establishing connections with the ICDP staff, further enhancing the collaborative spirit of the event.

The program concluded with action songs and fun activities for the children, leaving participants with positive feedback that underscored the value of such initiatives in promoting community engagement and enhancing child welfare.