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Newsletter — Sepetember 2026
Jeya Gell
Greetings.
We are delighted to meet you all through this newsletter and share many works we have done so far.
26th, Annual General Meeting and
Transformative Stories
On August 27th, DAIA’s Annual General Meeting brought together President Dr. Joe Prabhakaran, Secretary Mrs.Dorothy Manimuthu, Treasurer Ms.Hannah Helen Soundarabai, Executive Committee members Dr.Rajaratnam Abel, Dr.Joe Austin, and Dr.Parameswari, along with Director Mrs.Hilda John and Mrs.Jeya Gell. During the meeting, Mrs.Hilda John presented an overview of the organisation’s key activities and achievements during 2025–2026, as well as its plans and priorities for the year ahead.
A special highlight was hearing firsthand from individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by DAIA initiatives. Ms. Lakshmi, person with disability, and Ms. Ulagammal from S. Pudur village, along with Mrs. Subbulakshmi, who shared about women’s groups, and Mrs. Kala, who spoke about the tailoring training program, shared their personal experiences and the progress they have made. Their inspiring testimonies brought great joy to everyone present and powerfully demonstrated the meaningful and lasting impact of the organisation’s work.
Tuition Centre
We continue to operate six tuition centres in the suburbs of Tuticorin, providing regular academic support to 151 children. Through these centres, students receive guidance and encouragement to strengthen their learning, improve their academic performance, and develop greater confidence in their studies. Our continued efforts aim to ensure that every child receives the support they need to progress in their educational journey.
Supporting Students’ Learning
On August 14th, we visited the Azhagumuthunagar tuition based on their requests, we purchased and provided study guides to students in Grades 9 and 10 to support their exam preparation. School bags were also given to the top-performing students in recognition of their hard work and academic achievement.
Celebrating Independence Through Learning
To commemorate Indian Independence Day, we held a special event at our tuition centres focused on the inspiring leaders of India’s freedom struggle. With great enthusiasm, the students dressed up as national leaders and delivered brief speeches about their lives, contributions, and the values they upheld. They also participated in meaningful discussions about the leaders who inspired them most and shared the reasons behind their admiration. The event provided an engaging learning experience that not only strengthened the students’ confidence in public speaking but also deepened their understanding of India’s history and the importance of freedom, courage, and responsibility.
TATA Proengage Online Classes
​This month, online English learning initiative supported by TATA was launched for students at DAIA’s tuition centres. The program is designed to strengthen students’ English communication skills and build their confidence in learning. Six dedicated TATA volunteers Ms.Karpagambal Natarajan, Ms. Poorani Govindaraj, Mr.Sandeep Ganesan, Ms.Gayathri, Ms.Deepika Natarajan, Mr.Jeevanandam are conducting interactive online classes for students from Grades 5 to 10. During the launch, Mrs. Hilda John introduced DAIA and shared information about its various initiatives and activities. The sessions provide students with an engaging opportunity to learn, practice, and improve their English with the support of committed volunteers.
Small Savings Scheme
At our tuition centre in Guruji Nagar, Chitra, the tuition teacher, introduced a small savings scheme to the students and explained the importance and benefits of developing a saving habit. Inspired by the saying, “Little drops make a mighty ocean,” the children enthusiastically embraced the initiative and began saving small amounts regularly. Through this programme, the students are learning valuable lessons about financial responsibility, discipline, and the importance of saving for the future.
Mobile Library
The mobile library reading Challenge continues to inspire our children to develop a love for reading. Students have been reading the books provided with great enthusiasm and actively engaging with the stories. They also enjoyed sharing their favourite stories and thoughts, making reading a fun and meaningful learning experience. This initiative encourages children to explore new ideas, improve their language skills, and grow in confidence through the joy of reading.
Tuition Teachers Meeting
In August 26th, a Tuition Teachers’ Meeting was held at the DAIA Office in Kirubai Nagar, bringing together teachers for a time of reflection, encouragement, and sharing. Mrs. Esther shared an inspiring message with the team. Following this, Mrs. Hilda John enquired about the progress of the TATA Online English classes and encouraged the teachers to nurture the children with love and care while actively involving their parents in their education. As a gesture of appreciation for their dedicated service, she presented gifts to the teachers. The meeting concluded with the teachers submitting their monthly reports, reflecting DAIA’s continued commitment to strengthening its education program.
Staff Training
Strengthening Village Development Initiatives
On August 28th, Dr. Rajaratnam Abel and Dr. Jolly Abel conducted a training session for the staff on effective approaches to village development. The session focused on practical methods to achieve meaningful and sustainable results, with particular emphasis on strengthening women’s groups. The training encouraged the team to help these groups become more organised, active, and effective, equipping staff with valuable insights to strengthen community participation and maximise the impact of their work.
Vocational Training and Employment(VOTE Project)
Tailoring Training
This month, the fifth batch of the tailoring training program is successfully underway in the Osanoothu village area, providing women with practical tailoring skills to support sustainable livelihoods and greater financial independence. A total of 15 women are actively participating in the training, gaining valuable skills that can open doors to income-generating opportunities and strengthen their confidence.
PALAM project
Self Help Group Visit
On August 5th, a field visit was conducted to the Women’s Self-Help Group in Oosanuthu village, with 12 members participating enthusiastically. During the visit, the group’s financial records, including income, expenditure, and savings, were carefully reviewed and verified. The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen financial transparency, encourage responsible record-keeping, and support the group in managing its resources effectively.
Health Awareness
On August 5th, a health awareness session on tuberculosis (TB) was conducted for 12 members of the Women’s Self-Help Group in Osanuthu village. The session highlighted how TB spreads, its common symptoms, and simple preventive measures, including good hygiene and covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing. The participants actively engaged in the discussion and gained valuable awareness about protecting themselves and their communities from TB.
Embracing Elders
On August 12th, an elders’ camp was held at the Zion Campus, with 45 elders participating enthusiastically. Mrs. Eben Jason attended the gathering and shared an inspiring message with the seniors. As India commemorated the 80th anniversary of Independence, she spoke about the significance of the national flag and the values of freedom, unity, and patriotism it represents. The session provided an opportunity for the elders to reflect on the importance of Independence and the responsibilities that come with it. Their active participation and enthusiasm made the gathering a meaningful and memorable celebration.
We are Grateful
On July 28th, Mr. Francis, husband of our staff member Mrs. Prema, met with an accident and became unwell. We are grateful to share that he has now fully recovered. We sincerely thank everyone who remembered him in their prayers and supported the family during this difficult time. We are thankful for his recovery and continue to cherish our community's strength and care.
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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
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Founder: Mr. Gell Joseph 1945 - 2015
Bank name | A/c name | A/c No S/B | IFSC code |
|---|---|---|---|
City Union Bank, Tuticorin | Development Association for Integrated Activity | 085001000097607
(Donations Within India) | CIUB 0000085 |
Mrs. Jeya Gell
