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Newsletter— December 2025
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)
Community awareness through cultural expression
On September 26th, DAIA, in collaboration with Annammal College students, organised an impactful awareness program titled "Drug Prevention" in Kulasekaranallur village. The event drew participation from 115 students and community members, aiming to educate the public on the harmful effects of drug addiction.
Annammal College students delivered the message with creativity and passion through folk songs, dialogues, dances, dramas, and traditional music performances. Their artistic presentations powerfully highlighted the dangers of substance abuse and inspired the community to choose a healthier, drug-free lifestyle, emphasising the importance of protecting and guiding the younger generation toward a better future.
Students of Annammal College took to the streets in Kulasekaranallur village to raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction. Carrying impactful banners and distributing informative pamphlets, they engaged with the public to highlight the harmful effects of substance abuse on individuals, families, and society. Through powerful slogans and a strong sense of purpose, the students effectively captured public attention and emphasised the critical role of prevention and education in combating drug addiction.
Award for community impact
Feedback from the community
Students who participated in the awareness program organised by DAIA and Annammal College shared that the event was a meaningful and eye-opening experience. It provided them with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the public and gain a deeper understanding of the everyday lives of the community.
Mrs. Subbulakshmi, president of the local women’s self-help group, expressed her appreciation, saying, “We haven't made such an effort to uplift our group in a long time. This was our first attempt, and we are truly happy to have been part of it.”
The program not only raised awareness about drug abuse but also inspired both students and community members to take active steps toward social change.
Agricultural awareness program
Mr. Siddharth, Field Officer from Ottapidaram Taluk Agriculture Department, participated in the awareness meeting organised by DAIA. During his address, he informed the public about various government schemes available to support farmers. He highlighted that the government is providing free seeds and fruit saplings, and that loans for drip irrigation systems are available at subsidized rates. Mr. Siddarth encouraged the public to make full use of these opportunities to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
PALAM Project (Self Help Groups)
On September 26th, during an awareness meeting, a special sales event titled DAIA Market was organised on behalf of local women’s self-help groups. Four self-help groups supported by DAIA actively participated in the event, setting up stalls to showcase and sell a variety of homemade and locally produced goods. The items on sale included washing powder, beauty products, sarees, ice cream, murukku, and traditional sweets. The event provided a valuable opportunity for women to promote their products, develop entrepreneurial skills, and engage with the wider community.
Self-help group visit
On Sep 2nd, the Pannai Self-Help Group was visited as part of our ongoing community engagement efforts. A total of 11 members participated in the meeting. During the session, the importance of saving as a powerful tool for women’s empowerment was discussed. Participants were encouraged to make saving a regular habit and to support one another in building a strong financial foundation.
DAIA Fundraising
A DAIA fundraising sale was held as part of the Women’s Development Project sales event. A variety of products were displayed, such as aloe vera juice, washing powder, pillow covers, and cushion covers. The event not only aimed to raise funds but also highlighted the entrepreneurial skills of the women involved in the project.
Tuition Centre
We currently operate six learning centers in the suburbs of Thoothukudi, providing consistent educational support to 139 children. Our TATA online classes continue to operate, with enthusiastic student participation in English and Maths sessions designed to build strong foundational skills.
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Positive parenting program (PPP)
This month, our team visited two of our tuition centres to engage with parents and assess on-ground needs. On September 9th, a visit was made to the Nachiyarpuram centre, where a parents' meeting saw the participation of 10 parents. They shared encouraging feedback, noting the visible academic progress in their children. As part of the support provided, we equipped the centre with a tarpaulin, an emergency light, and a blackboard to enhance the learning environment.
Later, on September 23rd, we visited the Vellapatti centre, where another parents' meeting was held. Here, homework notebooks were distributed to support students’ independent learning, and an emergency light was also provided for evening sessions.
Tuition teachers meet
On September 30th, our tuition teachers gathered for their monthly meeting. The session began with encouraging words from Mrs. Jeya Gell, followed by a discussion led by Director Mrs. Hilda John, who inquired about the students’ academic progress and the challenges faced in conducting the TATA Online Classes.
Teachers shared their experiences openly, and ideas were explored on how to help students make their upcoming vacations more productive. The teachers also expressed their gratitude for the snacks provided during the sessions and concluded the meeting by submitting their monthly reports.
Embracing Elders
On Sep 10th, 45 elders attended the camp at Zion Campus, Tuticorin. They were given groceries and nutrition powder, and their weight was monitored and recorded. The camp ended with a good meal.
Christmas Appeal
Christmas-The greatest love story
As we approach Christmas, we are reminded of the reason of the season. It is a time of joy sharing the amazing love story of God with mankind. We often share this love by giving gifts to our near and loved ones.
Many of our beneficiaries whom we serve, don’t have an opportunity to give or receive a gift this Christmas. We invite you to reach out to someone, because ‘changes occur only when someone cares an awful lot!’
Gifts can be donated cash or in kind.
Sarees,Shirts and towels - 54 Nos X Rs.375/- = Rs.20,250/-
Children Gift - 180 Nos X Rs.150/ - = Rs.27,000/-
Meals for - 280 Nos. X Rs.150 / - = Rs.42,000/-
Transport charges - = Rs.10,000/-
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
