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Newsletter — February 2026
Jeya Gell
Greetings.
We are delighted to meet you all through this newsletter and share many works we have done so far.
Vocational Training and Employment (VOTE Project)
Successful tailoring training
On January 3rd, 26 women who completed the 3rd batch of the tailoring training program in Kulasekharanallur village proudly received their certificates. The event was graced by the presence of Director Mrs. Hilda John and Mrs. Jeya Gell, along with the beneficiaries' family members, making the occasion both inspiring and memorable. A special highlight was when Mrs. Susheela confidently presented with a blouse she had stitched herself, beautifully enhanced with her own hand embroidery, an impressive testament to the skills gained through the training. Participants enthusiastically shared that the program had been a valuable opportunity, empowering them with practical skills, confidence, and hope for improved livelihoods.
Joyful Pongal celebration
On January 3rd, the Tamil harvest festival of Pongal was joyfully celebrated at the DAIA tailoring training school in Kulasekharanallur village. Women from the tailoring program and PALAM self-help groups participated enthusiastically, and the event was graced by Mrs. Hilda John, Mrs. Jeya Gell, Dr. Becky, and Miss. Sharon, who were warmly welcomed by the Panchayat and women’s groups. Dressed in new clothes, the women prepared sweet Pongal, reflecting the spirit of gratitude and prosperity.
The celebration continued with traditional songs, dancing, and fun games such as musical chairs. Mrs. Hilda John distributed prizes to the winners, adding excitement to the event. The women expressed sincere thanks to DAIA for organising a joyful celebration that strengthened cultural bonds and provided a refreshing and memorable experience.
Tailoring center inaugurated
On January 28th , the DAIA tailoring training center was inaugurated by Mrs. Jeya Gell in Osanoothu village, under the Kulasekharanallur Panchayat. The village women expressed their happiness, noting that this initiative would be a valuable opportunity to enhance their skills and improve their livelihoods. The center promises to empower local women and support economic self-reliance in the community.
PALAM project
On January 8th, Womens SHG was visited at Osanuthu village , with all members present for the meeting. During the visit, the group’s records of income, expenses, and savings were carefully reviewed and verified. The discussion highlighted the women’s commitment to transparent financial management and their steady progress toward economic self-reliance.
Tuition centre
We currently operate six learning tuition centers in the suburbs of Thoothukudi, providing consistent educational support to 139 children.
On January 3rd, the tuition center in Vellapatti was visited by its director, Mrs. Hilda John, along with her children, Dr. Becky and Miss. Sharon. The children engaged with the students by teaching an English song and spending time playing and interacting with them. Through the mobile library program, they also read books and shared the stories with the director.
Mrs. Hilda John took time to view the handicrafts created by the students and praised their creativity and efforts. The visit was a joyful and motivating experience for the children, inspiring them to continue learning and exploring new skills.
Success story
Since 2021, Mrs. Helen has been serving as a teacher at the tuition center in Vellapatti village through DAIA. Known for her dedication and service-minded nature, she works tirelessly to educate children in this coastal village, where most families are engaged in fishing, and many are uneducated. In 2025, a 7th-grade student named Muthukali stopped attending school due to a lack of interest and transportation issues. Helen guided the student’s mother, obtained her previous school certificates, and helped enroll Muthukali in a new school, requesting special attention from the teachers. Today, Muthukali attends school with enthusiasm and has achieved excellent exam results. DAIA commends Mrs. Helen for her selfless dedication and inspiring efforts in transforming lives through education.
Festive fun at tuition centers
On January 15th, the Tamil harvest festival of Pongal was joyfully celebrated across all tuition centers. The children actively participated by preparing and enjoying sweet Pongal, immersing themselves in the festive spirit. The celebration was filled with fun and excitement as various games and activities were organised, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
Positive Parenting Program (PPP)
On January 22nd, a PPP program was held at the training center in Kurinjinagar. Seven people participated in the program. The program highlighted the importance of children completing their daily tasks properly to achieve success. It also emphasised that when parents follow the same habits and set an example, it helps organise family life and teaches children through role modeling. The parents actively engaged in the discussion and agreed with the principles shared during the session.
Mobile library
Through the mobile library program, books were provided to all the children at the tuition center. The children eagerly read and enjoyed the stories, showing great enthusiasm for learning.
Tuition teachers meet
On January 29th, a teachers’ meeting was held at the Kirubai Nagar DAIA office. Mrs. Hilda John addressed the teachers and inquired about improvements in students’ half-yearly examination results. She emphasized the importance of giving extra attention to students who scored low marks and encouraged teachers to provide additional support to help them achieve better outcomes in the upcoming examinations.
During the meeting, Mrs. Esther shared that she had removed three students from her tuition center with their parents consent due to persistent disciplinary issues. Following the discussions, all teachers submitted their monthly reports for review. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining discipline, supporting student growth, and enhancing overall academic performance.
Medical camp
On January 30th, a medical camp for people living with HIV was held at St. Paul’s Campus in the Kovilpatti area, with 49 participants attending. Mrs. Jeya Gell shared encouraging words, and the participants expressed that the gathering brought them great joy and comfort. Dr. Mummoorthy examined the patients and provided necessary medicines, after which everyone received a special lunch and nutritional powder, making the event both supportive and uplifting.
Embracing Elders
On January 14th, a camp for the elderly was held at the Zion premises in Thoothukudi, with 45 participants in attendance. Mrs. Eben Jason shared a thought-provoking message, explaining that just as one must taste sugarcane to experience its sweetness during the Pongal festival, we can truly experience God’s love only by feeling it in our hearts. They were given groceries and nutrition powder, and their weight was monitored and recorded. The camp ended with a good meal.
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
