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Amidst the vibrant tapestryof 1973, where the world hummed with possibility and adventure, a young engineer named Jochen Tewes embarked on a daring journey.
Alongside his friend Markus, they set forth on what they dubbed their “global travel,” journeying across continents and cultures in the trusty confines of a VW variant car from Germany. But it was no ordinary voyage of exploration; it was fueled by a noble mission – to extend a lifeline to the downtrodden, offering them not just skills but a chance at a better life.
On 17th March 1974, solidifying the commitment to this noble cause, IIDA was founded as a registered society. This significant step marked the formal inception of their vision, setting the foundation for what would become a beacon of hope for thousands.
The fledgling organization’s humble beginnings belied its lofty aspirations – a modest Fitters training school housed in a makeshift shed, with just seven eager trainees. Yet, from these modest roots sprang forth five decades of tireless dedication, as IIDA became a beacon of hope for thousands of underprivileged youth.
Here, amidst the clatter of machinery and the scent of opportunity, individuals found more than just education; they found empowerment, dignity, and a pathway to a brighter future. Young men and women from marginalized backgrounds found independence through employment to not only uplift themselves, but their communities.
Fast forward to the present, and IIDA stands tall as a testament to resilience and perseverance, celebrating its 50th anniversary on 17th March 2024. Such longevity and impact were made possible only through the unwavering support of benefactors spanning continents and cultures.
The 50th year serves not merely as a milestone, but as a poignant reminder of thelives transformed and the journeys yet to come. In thecorridors of IIDA, hope intertwines with ambition.
Here, amidst the challenges of poverty and adversity, individuals find not just skills but a sense of purpose and belonging. As an NGO, IIDA stands united with sponsors, local businesses, and institutions,
forging pathways where none seemed possible before.
Though the road ahead may be fraught with uncertainty, one truth remains unwavering – the enduring commitment to uplift the human spirit, one underprivileged youth at a time. And one thing we always know for certain, God is Forever Faithful!
Together with Leaders from South India, IIDA was started with a unified vision: to serve underprivileged youth to lead them into a transformed quality life. Jochen Tewes had visited India for the first time in 1969 and came again in 1972 on a business assignment. He then combined the visit with visits to organisations that he was already volunteering with through Inter-Mission Germany. On his return back to Germany, he knew he had left his heart in India. Not only did he feet a vocation to work with the underprivileged youth, but he also meets his future wife.
1974 was an important year – the year IIDA was registered as a Society on 17th March. In the same year, he married Johshy as well as started a small carpentry workshop, training 7 youth from orphanages of Inter-Mission. Johshy was not only moral support to Jochen, but her experience working with orphaned children in homes, meant that her heart was there.
Our History
After he drove by car to India in November 1973 along with Markus Egger, Jochen and 6 more dedicated leaders began establishing IIDA in 1974. This team recognised that there were not many options for underprivileged youth -both in urban and rural India, to step into a dignified, quality life.
IIDA was one of the few organisations to first step into the gap of non-formal and formal industrial and skill training for underprivileged youth.
A spark turned into a flame and now IIDA is an established institution offering educational solutions to underprivileged youth in multiple locations across India – both through its own establishments and through franchise establishments.
When IIDA sees young men or women from destitute backgrounds, instead of seeing a hopeless situation, we see a wealth of potential and value for tomorrow’s world in each individual young person; we take it as a privilege to help them navigate to a brighter future.
Through holistic education, interpersonal care and a focus on personality development and gender equality, India’s underprivileged youth can flourish and blossom into positive agents of change and inspiration in their respective communities and ultimately, for the good our country.
Seeing ex-students of IIDA excelling, but more importantly, giving back, is the pride that we care
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