A promotional stall was held at the Wellington Diwali Festival event on 26 October. Many thanks to the helpers in the picture (R-L: Rieko, Nithya, Vidthia, Sharmila). We had a number of other regular supporters assisting us on the day to take turns running the stall, these included Ray & Geraldine, Beth, Naena & Ray, Bhagee and Pravin. Many hands make light work and was definitely more fun, with everyone enjoying their time talking to passers-by about their...

Two rather significant and wonderful events that took place at Nilakottai over the last few months!

The first was the inauguration of the new girls hostel on the garden land! This marks a major milestone for completing phase one of the new complex. A simple and memorable event was held on 21^st August with special poojas (prayers) attended by local dignitaries, well-wishers and former students. A few days later, the...

Notes from Jean since arriving at Nilakottai in late September 

9 October 2014 

On the 24^th September, the film crew; Gerard and Jan and I arrived in Nilakottai to show the film to the children. A screening in our school across the road was arranged for the next day: the 25^th which happens to be our Anniversary Day. It went very well indeed, the Illam people...

Filmmaker Gerard Smyth has completed this outstanding full-length documentary about the life of Jean and her work with the children. It is screening in the NZ International Film Festival in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson, Hawkes Bay, Tauranga and Hamilton.

The new Girl's Hostel Building in Nilakottai, Tamil Nadu, is now in its final stages of development. The building is looking great! Some great looking pictures are shown below, and more pictures are available. Next steps are to equip the building, including dining hall, purchase of vessels, and to get ready for the girls to move in.

For a brief time we have a wonderful collection of Giclée prints for sale donated by local Wellington artist and long term Karunai Illam supporter, Rieko. Influenced by pop surrealism and the Old Masters of the 17th century, Rieko's work has gained quite a following within Wellington.

Prints are available for sale in the online