Breaking the cycle one step at a time
DAIA, Development Association for Integrated Activity, initially focused on supporting individuals with HIV. Today, the organisation has expanded our scope significantly, running various programs to assist poverty-stricken communities in Tamil Nadu.
Poverty is widespread throughout regional Tamil Nadu, with the majority of the population living in conditions that limit their chances of a prosperous life. Women are frequently confined to their homes with limited education, children lack the opportunity to build a better future, and diseases are increasingly prevalent in communities. DAIA is dedicated to improving the lives of these impoverished individuals and strives to help them break free from the cycle of poverty.
DAIA was established in 2002 by Mr. Gell Joseph. The organisation emerged out of his pursuit of empowering and supporting low socio-economic communities. DAIA began as simple medical camps with his wife, Mrs. Jeya Gell. Eventually, DAIA grew, and following several successful missions, our little organisation was able to extend its work to other important aspects of health, including health literacy and nutrition, as well as empowerment and education to those who need it most.
Our values at DAIA are Educate, Empower, Embrace. These encompass our programs, services, and how we are helping those in poverty break the cycle.
Education
Children are our future, and education plays a vital role in breaking the cycle of poverty. We provide after-school tutoring programs for students who cannot attend government schools and as a way to escape their disruptive homes. Our eight tuition centres across the outskirts of Tuticorin provide a safe haven for over 250 children.
Embrace
DAIA supports the elderly who don’t have the necessary support to live comfortably. We offer assistance for those who need it with monthly grocery packs, medicine, primary health check-ups, advocacy for them, and connecting them with external services they may require.
Empower
This scheme encompasses various avenues that empower and encourage individuals from low socioeconomic areas to build their communities and start small businesses. We assist by offering employment training in animal rearing, creating food stalls, and providing tailoring lessons for women so that they can begin their own tailoring businesses. We teach people how to start a business and keep it running smoothly and provide start-up equipment so they are set up for success.
RUPA
Tailored for rural villages near Tuticorin, DAIA brings the most needed aspects of all our programs to small communities.
Future Programs
August 2024 sees the beginning of our VOTE Scheme, providing vocational training and employment opportunities for 120 women, providing training and empowerment for 18 months at a time.
Meet the team
Mrs Jeya Gell — Co-Founder
She has been the rock-solid support and love of Mr. Gell Joseph, founder of DAIA. She enthusiastically guides the team on the ground. Her vision is to see DAIA’s work bless the lives of many and help break the poverty cycle of those across Tamu Nadu. She maintains and nurtures the herbal garden in her home and has been with DAIA since the beginning.
Mrs. Hilda John — Executive Director
After a career as a civil engineer in India, Mrs Hilda John found her true calling in serving her community. Her passion is to support vulnerable communities, empowering them to reach their full potential. She leads the team in executing projects to the best of their ability, dividing her time between overseeing projects in India and spending time with her family in Australia.
Mrs. Prema Francis — Program Manager
With a passion for being a voice for others, Mrs. Prema Francis has served her community through DAIA for 15 years. As a qualified staff nurse, she assists in the healthcare of HIV patients. Her talents extend beyond social work, as she is also a Tamil poet, often delighting the team with her poems.
Mrs. Kezial — Accounts Admin Officer
She is the accountant and admin officer who works behind the scenes to keep the DAIA office and the team running smoothly. She has been with DAIA for the past ten years and is responsible for updating the monthly newsletter.
Making an impact in India
DAIA is based in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu and is working to break the cycle of poverty here in India.
Thoothukudi
