SMSSS News

Shimoga, December 04, 2024: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS) held an impactful one-day workshop titled "Reel to Reality," designed to provide staff and animators with an in-depth understanding of the real-world challenges faced by diverse community segments.

The workshop began with prayer led by the reporce person Fr Pius D'Souza and thereafter an eye-opening exposure visit to several key locations: the Manasadhara Rehabilitation Centre, vegetable market, a popular shopping mall, and street vendors. This carefully curated itinerary was crafted to offer participants a holistic view of different socio-economic realities, from rehabilitation and daily trade struggles to the complexities of consumer behavior.

At the Manasadhara Rehabilitation Centre, participants observed first hand the recovery journeys of individuals undergoing rehabilitation, gaining profound insights into the support systems necessary for their reintegration into society. The visit to the vegetable market and street vendors underscored the relentless efforts of small-scale traders to sustain their livelihoods amidst economic uncertainties. Contrastingly, the trip to the shopping mall highlighted the consumer-driven aspects of urban life, prompting reflections on societal disparities.

Fr. Pius D'Souza, the Director of SMSSS, led the workshop sessions, focusing on four pivotal themes: Awareness, Right Decision, Acting on the Decision, and Evaluation Methods. He emphasized the importance of being keenly aware of societal realities, making informed and ethical decisions, taking decisive actions, and rigorously evaluating the outcomes to ensure continuous improvement and accountability.

Participants found the sessions to be deeply engaging and thought-provoking. Fr. Pius's approach combined theoretical frameworks with practical insights, enabling staff and animators to translate their learning into real-world applications. This comprehensive method fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by different community segments and the importance of strategic decision-making in social work.

One of the highlights of the day was the reflective discussion session, where participants shared their personal insights and learnings from the exposure visits. This exchange of ideas not only reinforced the lessons learned but also cultivated a collaborative spirit among the attendees.

The workshop concluded with a sense of renewed commitment and inspiration among the SMSSS staff and animators. Equipped with enhanced awareness and practical tools, they left with a stronger resolve to address the complex issues within their communities more effectively.

Through the Unveiling Life's Realities: A Day of Discovery workshop, SMSSS continues to underscore its dedication to community empowerment and sustainable development. This initiative exemplifies the organization's commitment to fostering a deep, empathetic understanding of societal challenges and preparing its team to make meaningful, informed contributions to social welfare.