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Newsletter—August 2025
Jeya Gell
Greetings.
We are delighted to meet you all through this newsletter and share many works we have done so far.
Tuition Centre
We continue to operate six tuition centres in the suburbs of Tuticorin, where we provide regular academic support to 139 children enrolled. Through these centers, we aim to support their academic growth, strengthen foundational learning, and create a supportive environment that encourages consistent progress.
Children’s day celebration
On November 14th, all our tuition centres celebrated Children’s Day with great enthusiasm. Students dressed up as national leaders. They confidently spoke and acted like the people they portrayed, bringing them and their historical figures to life. Their creative efforts added a meaningful and engaging touch to the celebration.
They also showcased their talents through lively songs and energetic dance performances. The entire event was filled with excitement and laughter, creating a memorable and engaging experience for all the students.
Positive Parenting Program
This month, parent meetings were successfully held at our Saveriyarpuram centre on November 6th and Kurinji Nagar centre on November 19th. These gatherings provided valuable opportunities for parents and teachers to discuss student’s progress and share feedback, helping us continuously improve the learning environment.
At Saveriyarpuram, a mother shared her delight over her child’s transformation, noting that her son, who previously hesitated to speak, has now gained the confidence to participate in school competitions and is even winning prizes. At Kurinji Nagar, a mother said that the snacks provided to students were very nutritious and mentioned that her son has been showing noticeable improvement in his studies. Such encouraging feedback motivates us to nurture students not only academically but also in their overall personal development.
In addition, to further enhance the welfare and learning environment, the Saveriyarpuram tuition centre was provided with an emergency light and a tarpaulin, while the Kurinji Nagar tuition centre received an emergency light, tarpaulin, and a notice board. These improvements aim to create safer, more supportive spaces where students can continue to learn and thrive.
TATA Proengage online classes
This month, the TATA proengagage volunteers completed their teaching sessions for the season. Students from classes 5 to 9 participated in online English classes, and class 9 students also benefited from dedicated Maths sessions. The volunteers showed great enthusiasm throughout, and the children expressed heartfelt gratitude for their guidance and support.
We are deeply thankful to the volunteers for dedicating their weekday evenings to enriching children’s learning. Their commitment has made a meaningful impact, and we hope the experience has been rewarding for them as well. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Mrs. Anuradha Ravi, Mrs. Archana, Mrs. Abhirami Ganesan, Mrs. Aruna Ramani, Mrs. Deepthi Kolichetty, Mr. Rajan, Mrs. Annie, and Mrs. Kalai Vani Narayanan for their invaluable contributions.
In the TATA online class, students recently wrote a warm congratulatory letter expressing their gratitude to the teachers who supported them throughout the course. In their messages, they proudly mentioned the teachers who taught them and highlighted the specific courses that impressed and inspired them. These heartfelt notes of appreciation reflect the meaningful impact of the program and the dedication of the teaching team.
Mobile Library
This month, ‘Reading Challenge Program 6’ was successfully launched across all tuition centers. Students participated with great enthusiasm, exploring a wide variety of books and engaging in meaningful reading activities. Each participant received books as part of the program, further inspiring a love of reading and supporting their literacy growth. The initiative has already created a vibrant reading culture, and we look forward to seeing the continued excitement in the coming months.
Tuition Teachers Meet
On November 27th, the monthly meeting for tuition teachers was held at the DAIA office, bringing the team together for reflection and inspiration. Ms. Sobana offered uplifting and encouraging words that motivated the teachers and reinforced the value of their work. Mrs. Jeya Gell reviewed the children’s academic progress for the month, ensuring that each child’s learning needs continue to be monitored and supported.
The meeting also focused on planning the upcoming Christmas events, with special attention given to creating meaningful and enjoyable experiences for the students. After the discussions, the teachers submitted their monthly reports, concluding a productive and well-organised session that strengthened teamwork and clarity of purpose.
ACFID conference
Mrs Hilda John attended the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) in Canberra along with Dr.Andrew Catford, CEO of International Needs Australia and Davide Michelli, Program Manager of International Needs Australia. This was a great time networking and learning from other similar groups of people.
Vocational Training and Employment
(VOTE Project)
The tailoring centre at Kulasekaranallur continues to show remarkable progress, with the third training batch currently underway. This batch includes 15 enthusiastic women who are actively developing their tailoring skills and gaining confidence as they advance through the program.
To further strengthen their capabilities, a dedicated week-long workshop on Aari embroidery was conducted. Aari work is a highly sought-after skill with strong income-generating potential for women artisans. The session, led with great enthusiasm by Mrs. Rajeswari, benefited all participants immensely through hands-on learning.
PALAM Project
Self help group meeting
On November 4th, a meeting of the Farm Women’s Self-Help Group was held in Osanoothu village, with 15 women in attendance. The session focused on various government schemes available to Women’s Self-Help Groups and discussed practical ways to utilise them for income generation and community development. Members actively shared their experiences and gained awareness about opportunities to strengthen their group’s activities and improve their livelihoods.
Embracing Elders
On November 12th, 45 elders participated in the camp held at Zion Campus, Tuticorin. Mrs. Jeya Gell addressed the gathering with an encouraging message, inspiring the participants to focus on their well-being.
During the camp, the seniors were provided with groceries and nutritional supplements, and their weight was carefully monitored and recorded. The event concluded on a cheerful note with a delicious meal, making it both a nourishing and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
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
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
