DAIA was born from a
mission to break the cycle of poverty & create lasting change.
DAIA was founded by Mr. Joseph Gell in 2002, a humble lab technician from Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. An avid lover of herbal medicine and natural remedies, he felt a call to share his knowledge and hope with HIV & AIDS patients living in low socio-economic areas of Tuticorin. Mr. Gell wanted to empower and support the community.
It began with simple medical camps run with his wife, Mrs. Jeya Gell. DAIA grew, and following several successful missions, our little organisation was able to begin tackling community issues like health literacy, nutrition and education.
Change doesn’t come from band-aid solutions. That’s why DAIA is founded on the empowerment and education of our local communities. It’s this approach that inspires change and creates a lasting impact.
Our programs
RUPA Project
This program is aimed to empower rural poor particularly women to learn new skills start their own business. This means a generational change out of poverty.
Embracing Elders
At DAIA, we're dedicated to supporting our elderly, especially those who are living alone, or have limited means of income. We seek to love, care, and offer companionship to these citizens, and ensure they feel safe and heard in their communities.
Empowerment Scheme
With access to the right resources, a whole host of pathways open up for those living in low socio-economic areas. DAIA's Empowerment Scheme strives to fulfill the potential inside every person hungry for an opportunity, by facilitating and offering ways for independent income generation.
Medical Camps
Our medical camps were established to offer general check ups and basic healthcare to HIV/AIDS patients and senior citizens. This initiative is our longest running program, and remains one our most successful, too.
OUR IMPACT PARTNERS
EDUCATE
Young People
Breaking the cycle starts with young people. We’re empowering the next generation through education and resources.
EMPOWERMENT
Women
We’re empowering women to be self-sufficient through training programs and education.
200+
Children given educational support
70+
HIV patients supported monthly
44+
Elders supported monthly
160+
Women trained in tailoring
120+
Small business start-ups
650+
Programs for awareness in health, hygiene and sanitation
EMBRACE
We’re supporting our elderly with grocery deliveries and the right company to fight loneliness.
Elderly People
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We're making a difference, one story at a time
Ms. Karpooraselvi was married at a young age of 16, having completed primary schooling. She and her husband had a son and a daughter eventually. Both of them are adults now and have gone away to fend for themselves.
She was running a petty shop for their livelihood. They did not have much capital to invest in their shop. DAIA helped them with purchase of stock for their petty shop. With her steadfast hard work and the help provided by DAIA, she along with her husband were able to make profit enough to start a business raising 200 broiler chickens in their farm.
At the time when DAIA staff spoke with her, her husband gave all the credit of their progress to his wife’s hard work.
Making an impact in India
DAIA is based in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu and is working to break the cycle of poverty here in India.
Thoothukudi
Our people make it all possible.
Meet our team.
Mrs Jeya Gell — Co-Founder
She has been the rock-solid support and love of Mr. Gell Joseph, founder of DAIA. She enthusiastically guides the team on the ground. Her vision is to see DAIA’s work bless the lives of many and help break the poverty cycle of those across Tamu Nadu. She maintains and nurtures the herbal garden in her home and has been with DAIA since the beginning.
Mrs. Hilda John — Executive Director
After a career as a civil engineer in India, Mrs Hilda John found her true calling in serving her community. Her passion is to support vulnerable communities, empowering them to reach their full potential. She leads the team in executing projects to the best of their ability, dividing her time between overseeing projects in India and spending time with her family in Australia.
Mrs. Prema Francis — Program Manager
With a passion for being a voice for others, Mrs. Prema Francis has served her community through DAIA for 15 years. As a qualified staff nurse, she assists in the healthcare of HIV patients. Her talents extend beyond social work, as she is also a Tamil poet, often delighting the team with her poems.
Mrs. Kezial — Accounts Admin Officer
She is the accountant and admin officer who works behind the scenes to keep the DAIA office and the team running smoothly. She has been with DAIA for the past ten years and is responsible for updating the monthly newsletter.
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