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Newsletter — November 2024
Jeya Gell
Dear friends,
Greetings. I am delighted to meet you all through this newsletter and share many works we have done so far.
Tutoring Centres
All our 137 children sat their final exams in March and April 2025, and the results are out. We currently have information on our grade 10 and 12 students who sat their public examination.
All of them passed.
Grade 12 results
Divya, Azhagumuthu nagar … 420 marks/600
Grade 10 results
SuryaPrakash, Natchiyarpuram - 476 marks /500
Abisheka Nathan, Kurinji Nagar - 374 marks /500
Chandru, Kurinji Nagar - 361 marks /500
Shekinah, Azhagumkuthu Nagar - 356 marks/500
We are very proud of their achievement. Congratulations to our students and teachers!
As our year 12 students leave us, we are in continuous touch with them , helping them to get into universities and pursue higher education.
Suryaprakash’s achievement in grade 10
Surya Prakash was born into an impoverished family, with both of his parents working as wage laborers. He joined the DAIA Tutoring Centre in Natchiyarpuram when he was in grade 7. Surya is a diligent student, and his hard work paid off when he achieved the highest marks in his school.
His parents, teachers, and fellow students at the DAIA Tutoring Centre are all thrilled with his accomplishment. Despite his studies, he also worked part-time selling food door to door to support his family. We are immensely proud of the person he has become and wish him continued success in the coming years.
DREAM Project
This project was initiated this year with the goal of providing financial support for underprivileged children pursuing higher education. This support is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. If you or anyone you know would like to help a child with their tertiary education, please contact us.
Summer Computer training
Six students completed the basic computer literacy program, which covered MS Office and email. Ms. Geetha was the teacher this year as well, and she presented the curriculum in a very engaging manner. The children participated with great enthusiasm. One parent who attended the last day of class commented that this was the best class her daughter had participated in and that her daughter showed a lot of interest. At the end of the program, the students were given a small project to complete and given certificates.
However, the number of enrolments had decreased due to other community classes, such as VBS, being offered at the same time.
Token of Appreciation: TATA ProEngage
TATA ProEngage has been associated with DAIA for the past three years, facilitating the connection of volunteers with our tutoring centers to train our students. As a token of appreciation, they have sent us a certificate recognizing our partnership. We are extremely grateful to the ProEngage team and the volunteers for their support throughout this journey.
Vocational Training and Employment
(VOTE) Project
Tailoring Centres
The tailoring center in Kulasekaranallur is making great progress, and the second batch of tailoring training is currently in session, with 24 women participating. As part of their final project, the trainees have been tasked with sewing pillowcases and cushion covers. The women expressed that this project provides a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills. The completed pillowcases and cushion covers will be displayed at the year-end market day to help raise funds.
The next chapter…
Mrs. Periya Nayagi, 28 years old, joined the sewing training school run by DAIA in Kulasekaranallur village, where she received training in sewing and embroidery. She has since started her own sewing business in the same village after training. Mrs. Nayagi stated that the training provided by DAIA has significantly improved her skills and has helped her succeed in her business. She is currently sewing government school uniforms by taking bulk orders. The income generated from her business is helping to enhance her quality of life. She expresses her gratitude to supporters for their support.
Awareness Program
On May 16th , an awareness program was organized for women in Kulasekaranallur with the theme of “Nutrition,” focusing on young mothers and elderly women. The program highlighted that modern and fast food not only harms our health but also increases the prevalence of various diseases. Therefore, we should follow our ancestors' example by incorporating more small grains and vegetables into our diets. Nutritious foods such as spinach, moringa leaves, eggs, fish, and small grains are essential for maintaining good health. The importance of deworming every six months was emphasized. Additionally, the significance of providing nutritious food for young children to ensure a healthy start in life was also discussed.
PALAM Project – Self Help Groups
On May 2nd of this month, three self-help groups (SHGs) were visited as part of a preliminary assessment. A total of 31 participants attended the meeting, representing three groups: the Disabled Group (7 members), the Mother Teresa Self-Help Group (12 members), and the Pannai Self-Help Group (12 members). During the visit, we observed how the leaders and members of these groups monitored their budgets and balances, as well as how women actively engaged in the activities of the groups. Overall, the group members participated with great enthusiasm.
Embracing Elders
On April 9th, 36 elderly individuals participated in a camp at Zion Campus in Tuticorin. Mrs. Eben Jason delivered an encouraging message during the event. Each participant received groceries, and their weights were monitored and recorded. The camp concluded with a delicious meal. We plan to increase the number of elderly beneficiaries to 45 as soon as possible.
House Visit
This month, we visited three individuals to check in on how they have been doing: Ms. Rajammal, Mr. Pitchai Raj, and Ms. Mupudathi. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with them, understand their issues, and voice any concerns if necessary.
Ms. Mupudathi is a 68-year-old woman living alone without any support. She regularly attends the DAIA camp. Her house was in desperate need of repairs, with a leaking roof that allowed water to pour onto her floor. We were able to make some temporary repairs by laying tarpaulin on the roof, which significantly improved the situation. She was now able to stay dry and safe in her tiny hut.
Using some of the meager funds she receives from a government scheme, she installed an asbestos roof, which is still commonly used in India as an affordable roofing solution. Ms. Mupudathi expressed her happiness, stating that our support motivated her to persevere and take care of herself.
Fundraiser
With the blazing summer sun, it is the perfect time for a refreshing and healthy drink! We successfully raised Rs. 8,000 through the distribution of Aloe Vera Cordial in April and May. If you would like to place an order in advance, please contact the office.
Thank you for your support!
Contact no: 9487324886
SMILE Project Fundraiser
The goal of this project is to provide soft toys to young sick or needy children, aiming to bring a smile to their faces. This year, we plan to raise funds for 200 toys and distribute them in July. Please contact us if you would like to support this
Thank you to all our well-wishers
Mrs. Jeya Gell, co-founder of DAIA, had a health issue last month. She was in the hospital for more than a week and is now recovering at home. Thank you to all the supporters who wished her well.
Thank you to all our supporters
We are able to do the work just because you stand 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
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 | |
City Union Bank, Tuticorin | Development Association for Integrated Activity | 085001000097607
(Donations Within India) | CIUB 0000085 |
State Bank of India, New Delhi | Development Association for Integrated Activity | 40113007625
(Donations from countries other than India) | SBIN 0000691 |
Mrs. Jeya Gell
