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Newsletter — July 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.
Twenty-fourth Annual General Meeting
Twenty-fourth Annual General Meeting The AGM was held at the DAIA office on June 4th. It was presided over by Dr. Joe Prabhakar, President of the DAIA board. The attendees were Mrs Dorothy Manimuthu, Dr Rajaratnam Abel, Mrs Hannah Christy, Dr Parameswari Raja, Mrs Loka Jessi Kala, Mrs Hilda John, and Mrs Jeya Gell.
We thank the board members for their unwavering commitment to supporting DAIA's work among the needy. Their guidance in carrying out the required work is invaluable.
International Needs Australia (INA) - Field visit
International Needs Australia partners with DAIA to support the Rural Upliftment projects (RUPA). Dr Andrew Catford, CEO of INA, visited the RUPA projects on the ground.
He met beneficiaries of Rural Upliftment projects, people with HIV/AIDS, and tutoring centres. On May 23rd and 24th, he spent time with DAIA staff visiting the villages, talking to the villagers, and seeing the impact of our work partnering with them.
Through this partnership, we were able to make an incredible impact by training 131 women, starting 110 small businesses for beneficiaries below the poverty line, and conducting awareness programs on health, hygiene, sanitation, adult literacy, and financial literacy, impacting around 657 people and, on a broader scale, the community of Jumbulingapuram panchayat.
We are incredibly thankful for their support and involvement in uplifting our vulnerable communities.
Tuition Centres
Art from waste
Children from the tutoring centres came together to make art from locally available materials considered waste. Vellapati centre children built a lighthouse and created a beach scenario with seashells found in their village.
Sevariyarpuram centre children built a boat out of plastic water bottles, a train out of cardboard, a small circuit to light the train, and more. It was a stimulating experience for the children.
The children showcased this to Dr. Andrew Catford who visited the centers.
Debate of the year- Impact of smartphones- good or bad?
Children attending tutoring centers were involved in a debating session held on June 15th, at Alagumuthunagar. The simple but profound topic of the 'Impact of the use of smartphones in their day-to-day lives' stirred their routine.
This debate gave them ideas to think about, implement, and build and also exposed them to think about the lurking grave dangers of social media addiction.
Six children participated in the debate, and around 30 children and parents were in the audience
Tuition teachers meet
The centre teachers attended the meeting on June 10th. The teachers highlighted the children's challenges and achievements. Mrs Hilda John honoured them with small gifts as an appreciation for their hard work and enthusiasm.
Dr. Anitha, Head of the EEE Department at V.O.C College, Tuticorin, discussed engineering courses and career opportunities in the government sector. She also raised awareness of different scholarship programs for SC/ST candidates and open categories.
On June 28th, another meeting was held to discuss the start of the academic year and all the other extracurricular activities planned.
SMILE Program
'Can I make you smile?' is the motto of the Smile project, distributing soft toys to children who are sick or needy.
On May 29th, 15 children under the age of five, at 'Francis Beauson' home were given teddies.
On May 30th, 50 differently abled children at Sivanthakulam Municipal School were given teddies. Mr. Titus, Director of Shalom Charity Mission, participated in this program.
Our sincere thanks to everyone who made this happen.
We still have two more SMILE programs to go in the coming months.
Back to school Program
This initiative encourages our children and invites them to an exciting year of learning.
On June 19th, 30 children studying in Melashanmugapuram government school were given stationery and uniform sets in collaboration with the Sharon Foundation.
On June 20th, 94 children studying in Ossanathu government school were given stainless steel plates for their 'satunavu' program. Mrs. Mahalashmi, District Education Officer; Shanmugavel, Panchayat President; and Mrs. Suguna, Headmistress, participated in the event.
Mrs. Prema, DAIA Program Manager, encouraged the children to set high goals and work hard to achieve them.
Vocational Training and Employment (VOTE) Project
We plan to start the VOTE project in the Kulasekaranelur panchayat in August. The main focus will be on skill training and connecting people with employment.
It will further focus on agriculture and health and hygiene awareness.
Leaders Meet
On June 24th, an introduction meeting for the leaders was held at the Kulasekaranallur panchayat office regarding the VOTE project. The meeting was presided over by Mr Velayudasamy, Panchayat President; Mr Murugesan; Ms Latha, Village administration officer; Ms Kaliammal, Public Welfare officer; Ms Sruthi; and the Ward Heads.
Baseline Survey
With the new project set to start in August, the baseline survey is underway to capture data.
This project is set to run in phases for 18 months each, with 120 women trained in each phase. VOTE is a long-term project, and we need consistent support to run it effectively. Please get in touch with us if you would like to support this project.
Tailoring Centre
The tailoring course held at the DAIA office ended on June 30th, having trained 14 women over three months. We sincerely thank Mrs. Andal Gomathi, the tailoring teacher, for her commitment and enthusiasm in training young.
"We were confined to our homes and had no skills to enter the job market. With this training, the opportunity to earn an income has opened for me." - Mrs Realex women.
Medical Camp
On May 17th and June 21st, 95 patients attended the medical camp at St. Paul's campus, Kovilpatti. Mrs.Flora, the DAIA Program Officer, delivered an uplifting message. Dr.Mummoorthy examined the patients. We distributed medicines, tonics, and nutrition powder. Their weight was monitored and recorded. The camp ended with a good meal.
Embracing Elders
42 elders participated in the camp on May 08th and June 12th at the Tuticorin Zion campus. Mrs Eben Jason shared an encouraging message. We distributed groceries and nutrition powder.
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.
To Donate from within India...
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Thank you!
We are deeply grateful for the support we get from our donors and volunteers. We cannot do what we do without your support.
We pray for your blessings as you sacrificially give. The seed that you sow today with bear fruit surely!
Warm Regards,
Jeya Gell.
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
