Happy New Year! Our nursery and primary school started in 2008 has grown over six-fold in enrolment numbers since then. The success of the school has generated a strong demand from the Nilakottai community for quality affordable education for more students and to include higher classes. To meet this need, we along with DHAN are seeking to build additional classrooms and amenities in the existing school site. This could be the first phase of the school's future...

Diwali - also known as the 'Festival of Lights' - is Wellington's local Indian and South East Asian communities' most vibrant cultural celebration. The lighting of lamps at Diwali expresses happiness and welcomes light and prosperity. This will be celebrated on Sunday 16 October at the TSB arena - 1:30 to 10:00 p.m. 

Karunai Illam Trust will be there in the midst of this celebration once again this year holding an information stall for...

“I have just returned from an interesting, lively 3 month’s stay at the Illam. I found the children happy, healthy and motivated in their studies.

A volunteer from Australia was there helping at the school. A few days later nine young Indian students from the DHAN Academy came to stay, then two Englishmen, (also students) arrived. They enjoyed interacting with the Indian students and the children.

It was good to have Angela over for a fortnight....

In this issue - Contributors Evening, News from Nilakottai, Artwork at LIFE Center, Mr Khader's Garden Update and a note from Raghini regarding news of the Christchurch earthquake. View the link below to download the newsletter in PDF format.

 On 25 September the Illam day was celebrated in the presence of a local dignitary and all the children and staff joining in singing and exercise sessions. Special sweets were distributed all around as is the case during such occasions.

Michael Harris one of our trustees has just returned from a fabulous trip to the Illam and has interesting notes to share with us on activities at the Illam and DHAN Foundation.