Karunai Illam Trust NZ

Meet MA! 💚
Margaret Anne Barnett—known to us simply as MA—has been part of the KIT family for many years.
After hearing about Karunai Illam through friends Sankar and Meenakshi, she was deeply moved by the love, care, and opportunities the children receive. With a lifelong career in education, MA knows just how important a safe, nurturing environment is for children to flourish.
MA doesn't just support the Illam financially—she rolls up her sleeves too! You'll often find her cooking for our Thali Dinners, helping at clothing sales, or donating proceeds from her beautiful artwork.
Thank you, MA, for your kindness, generosity, and the many ways you help make a difference. ❤️

Puri and Potato….. a Delicious dish that Joshua Ross (owner of the wonderful Cafe 28 in Lower Hutt, .nz ) made from our recipe book “Suvai” There are still a few books left, so if you would like one head on over to our website: https://www.karunai-illam.org and check us out.

🎉 Quiz Competition at DHAN Karunai Illam 🎉
Our children enjoyed an exciting and educational Quiz Competition held in the last week of February 2026. Organised by Mr Elangovan Ramalingam, Headmaster of Nilakottai Government School, the event aimed to strengthen general knowledge and encourage a love of learning.
Five teams competed across eleven rounds covering general knowledge, current affairs, science, history, and logical thinking. The children participated with great enthusiasm, demonstrating teamwork, confidence, and quick thinking throughout the competition.
A heartfelt thank you to Mr Elangovan Ramalingam for giving his time and expertise to make this programme such a success. It was a fun and rewarding experience that inspired our children to continue learning and growing. 📚✨
Learn more about our mission or support our next initiative.
https://www.karunai-illam.org/

A Day of Celebration

Alumni returned to the Illam for a day of celebration. It was a joyful surprise for the children. A volley ball match was organised between the current boys and the Alumni, which was energetic and full of laughter and excitement. In the final result -Alumni Team became the Winners. The boys cheered, laughed, and celebrated together. Learn more about our mission or support our next initiative.
https://www.karunai-illam.org/

Alumni news

Some of the Illam Alumni arrived to stay the day before the wedding of Silambumani to support her. That evening was unforgettable. Current boys and alumni gathered in the main dormitory, played carrom board, shared memories, laughed, and spoke about their life journeys. Each alumnus is now standing independently in society. Learn more about our mission or support our next initiative.
https://www.karunai-illam.org/

Silambumani

After overcoming significant family and financial challenges, Silambumani excelled academically, completed nursing training with support from the Illam and the Hill Foundation, and is now employed as a nurse. In February 2026 she celebrated her marriage, providing a powerful example of the long-term impact of the Illam’s support.
The occasion also brought together many former residents, who shared stories of their own achievements in farming, trades, higher education, and employment. Campus Development.
Learn more about our mission or support our next initiative.
https://www.karunai-illam.org/

🏆 Quiz Competition and Thiruvalluvar Day Celebration🏆

We are proud of the wonderful achievements of our children in the Thiruvalluvar Day competitions! Students won prizes in both the Thirukkural Recitation and Essay Writing competitions, demonstrating their hard work, talent, and dedication. These events help children build confidence, strengthen their speaking and writing skills, and deepen their appreciation of Tamil culture and values.
Congratulations to all who participated and especially to our prize winners. Your success has brought great pride and joy to everyone at the Illam! 🌟
Learn more about our mission or support our next initiative.
https://www.karunai-illam.org/

In March, 43 students from Years 3–12 took part in a medical camp designed to identify any nutritional or health concerns at an early stage. Students needing follow-up support received health advice, nutritional counselling, and recommendations for ongoing care. This initiative reflects the Illam’s commitment to preventative healthcare and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Learn more about our mission or support our next initiative.
https://www.karunai-illam.org/

The fundraising team has been busy organising catering for three thali meal requests in June. The first one was held on 6 June to celebrate Tony Harcourt’s birthday. The thali meal included ten items which were savoured by the family. To put in Elizabeth's own words, "OMG, the food was superb. Everyone loved the food, and there was so much of it. Tony celebrated his birthday exactly as he wanted to'.
The other two events are happening on 20th June and 28th June and the team will be busy coordinating with the community to seek their help in contributing to meal preparation. We would like to particularly thank Swad Kitchen, the wonderful Gujarathi kitchen in Epuni, Wellington who have generously agreed to donate thepla and dhoklas for all three events. It is generosity from establishments like these that really make it possible for us to host such events.