On July 24, catalysts Ms. Neenu Mathew and Mr. Paul Ferdinant Gomez from the Fourth Wave Foundation delivered inspiring sessions to students at Sahrdaya College of Advanced Studies. The sessions, titled “Children Matter,” focused on empowering and educating children from marginalized and unrecognized segments of society, highlighting the importance of collective participation in creating safe environments and sustainable social change.
Ms. Neenu Mathew addressed students at Aula Magna, while Mr. Paul Ferdinant Gomez engaged with students at Decennial Hall. Both sessions ran concurrently from 1:30 PM to 3:15 PM, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for fostering social responsibility and self-reliance within communities.
The essence of the Fourth Wave Foundation’s mission was clearly articulated through their commitment to creating socially responsive and self-reliant communities. They emphasized their role in catalyzing social change by piloting innovative model solutions that can be replicated by governments and civil societies. With two decades of dedicated work in social development, their technical knowledge and deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities were evident.
One of the key projects highlighted during the sessions was Project VENDA, an initiative aimed at empowering children in Kerala to say a firm “NO” to drugs and make responsible choices. This project has been recognized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as a best practice for evidence-based intervention. In June 2021, the Fourth Wave Foundation launched the S.A.F.E. Program to create Substance Abuse Free Environments in six districts across Kerala. By 2024, they aim to positively impact the lives of half a million students in the state.
The sessions covered a range of important topics, including finding happiness, managing emotions, understanding brain science, addressing pornography, navigating social media, making healthy food choices, and culminating in a positive pledge for students to commit to being better youth. Additionally, the sessions included discussions about gateway substances, real-life examples of people abusing drugs, and the difficulty and effort of some people who overcame substance abuse. These real-life stories provided powerful illustrations of the challenges of addiction and the possibility of recovery, offering hope and motivation to the students.
The interactive and engaging format of the sessions ensured that students were not only informed but also inspired to take action and make a difference in their own lives and communities. The impact of these sessions was palpable, with students leaving the venues empowered and motivated to contribute to a better society.
In conclusion, the Talk Series Sessions by the Fourth Wave Foundation on July 24 were a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on the students and reaffirming the importance of collective effort in creating a safer and more inclusive world for children.
