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Newsletter — August 2026
Jeya Gell
Greetings.
We are delighted to meet you all through this newsletter and share many works we have done so far.
Tuition centre
Our six tuition centers across the suburbs of Thoothukudi continue to provide quality educational support to 148 children from underprivileged communities. Through regular academic guidance and holistic learning activities, we are helping students build confidence, deepen their learning, and build a brighter future.
World Environmental Health Day
On July 28th, World Environmental Health Day, students at our tuition centres observed the occasion by learning about the importance of protecting the environment through simple, practical actions.
Teachers encouraged them to keep their surroundings clean, avoid littering, and take responsibility for maintaining a healthy environment at home and in their communities.
Students also explored sustainable practices such as planting and caring for trees, harvesting rainwater, and creating home gardens by reusing household wastewater for plants instead of allowing it to stagnate. They participated in the activities with great enthusiasm, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and developing habits that contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
Kamaraj's birthday celebration
July 16th, Kamaraj's birthday, was celebrated across all our tuition centers.
Mr. K.Kamraj was the former Chief Minister of Madras and one of India’s most respected leaders. A champion of education and social welfare, he transformed countless lives through his visionary policies and selfless public service.
Students honoured his birthday with inspiring speeches and short plays depicting Kamaraj's life and achievements. The celebration highlighted his unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child in Tamil Nadu had access to education. It also encouraged students to appreciate the value of education and inspired them to serve society with dedication and compassion.
Positive parenting program (PPP)
Positive Parenting Program meetings were successfully conducted on July 7th at the tuition Centre in Kurinji Nagar and on July 15th at the tuition centre in Natchiyarpuram. The sessions provided parents with an opportunity to discuss their children's academic progress, learning habits, and overall development. Parents were encouraged to actively support and motivate their children in preparing for the upcoming examinations. The meetings strengthened the partnership between parents and the tuition centres, fostering a collaborative approach to enhancing students' educational growth and success.
Educational Support
To support students in their educational journey, essential learning materials were distributed across our tuition centres based on their needs. School bags were presented to top-performing students in recognition of their academic excellence, while pens were provided to students from Kurinji Nagar. Students from Nachiyarpuram and Vellapatti received notebooks to encourage consistent learning and help them begin the new academic term with confidence and enthusiasm.
Tuition teachers meeting
On July 28th, the monthly tuition teachers' meeting was held at the DAIA office in Kirubai Nagar, bringing together tuition teachers to review progress and prepare for the month ahead. Mrs. Jaya Gell opened the meeting with an inspiring message, encouraging teachers to continue their dedicated service. Mrs. Hilda John reviewed the students' academic performance and outlined preparations for the TATA Online English Programme, which is set to begin in August. The meeting concluded with the submission of monthly reports and the distribution of nutritional snacks for the children. These regular meetings strengthen coordination among teachers, support effective planning, and ensure that students continue to receive both academic guidance and nutritional support.
Vocational Training and Employment
(VOTE) Project
Tailoring centre
​A new tailoring centre for the fifth batch was inaugurated in Osanoothu this month, creating another opportunity for women to develop vocational skills and improve their livelihoods. Fifteen women have enrolled in the programme and have begun learning tailoring with great enthusiasm. Through this initiative, they are gaining practical skills that will help them move towards greater self-reliance and economic empowerment.
​PALAM project
Self-help Group visit
​On July 3rd, a field visit was made to the Women's Self-Help Group in Oosanuthu village, where 10 members actively participated in the meeting. The visit focused on reviewing and verifying the group's financial records, including income, expenses, and savings, to promote transparency and effective financial management. The interaction also provided an opportunity to encourage members to strengthen their savings practices and sustain the group's progress.
Embracing Elders
On July 8th, 41 elderly individuals participated in a camp at Zion Campus in Tuticorin. Mrs. Eben Jason delivered an encouraging message. Each participant received groceries and nutrition powder, and their weights were monitored and recorded. The camp concluded with a delicious meal.
Elders Visit
On July 28th, DAIA staff visited the homes of elderly beneficiaries to assess their well-being, offer emotional support, and better understand their individual needs. During the visits, meaningful conversations were held with Mrs. Rajammal, Mrs. Chellakani, Mrs. Johnci Rani, and Mrs. Das Nevis Mary, providing encouragement and strengthening the bond of care.
Several beneficiaries shared inspiring stories of resilience despite the hardships they have faced. who had been abandoned by her children expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying that DAIA’s continued care and compassionate support had restored her hope and reminded her that she was not alone. These visits reaffirmed the importance of standing alongside elderly people with dignity, compassion, and consistent support.
Medical camp
On July 17th, A medical camp for people living with HIV was conducted at St. Thomas Campus in the Kovilpatti area, benefiting 38 participants. The camp provided essential healthcare services in a supportive and compassionate environment. Mrs. Prema encouraged the participants with inspiring words, offering hope and emotional strength.
Dr. Mummoorthy conducted medical examinations and distributed the required medications to all participants. The programme concluded with the distribution of nutritious supplements and lunch, promoting the health and well-being of everyone who attended.
Thank you to all our supporters
We were able to do the work just because you stood behind us. Our heartfelt thanks for your consistent support in reaching out to make our vulnerable communities better.
We look forward to working with you. Thank you once again.
Reflection: Kindness
"Always help someone. You might be the only one who does."
Let us be kind and lighten the burden of those who are suffering.
Debasish Mridha - QUOTESTATS.COM
Development Association for Integrated Activity (DAIA)
5E/95, Kirubai Nagar, Tuticorin, Tamilnadu, India. 628 008.
Phone: +91 9488373224 (0461) 2311548, 2391548, Email: admin@daiaindia.org
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Founder: Mr. Gell Joseph 1945 - 2015
Bank name | A/c name | A/c No S/B | IFSC code |
|---|---|---|---|
International Needs Australia | 69 579 7035 (Donations from within Australia)
Ref: DAIA India - Donor name | BSB: 083 125 |
Mrs. Jeya Gell
