Empathy in Action: IWA’s March Visits to Strana Detyam & Gulfstream

March was a month of giving, learning, and heartfelt connections for us at the Indian Women’s Association (IWA). As part of our ongoing commitment to community outreach, we had the privilege of visiting two remarkable institutions—Strana Detyam on March 3rd and Gulfstream on March 10th.

Strana Detyam: A World of Sound and Silence

On March 3, 2025, in honor of the International Day of Hearing, the Indian Women’s Association (IWA) Moscow took a heartfelt initiative to visit Strana Detyam, a center dedicated to children with hearing impairments. This visit was not just about giving—it was about connecting, understanding, and bringing joy to these wonderful young souls.

The day was filled with warmth and smiles as we interacted with the children, learning about their world and the ways they communicate beyond words. To support their education and growth, IWA Moscow made a donation of educational toys, carefully selected to aid in their learning and development. These toys were not just gifts but tools to enhance their sensory and cognitive skills, making learning a fun and engaging experience.

Strana Detyam is a center dedicated to supporting hearing-impaired children, offering them education, therapy, and the resources they need to integrate into society with confidence. Our visit was nothing short of inspiring. We interacted with the children, learning about the challenges they face and the incredible resilience they display every day. The educators and therapists at the center work tirelessly to bridge the gap between silence and sound, helping these young souls develop communication skills through sign language and advanced hearing aids. It was heartwarming to witness their progress and to contribute in our own small way by engaging in activities that brought smiles to their faces.

We extend our gratitude to Strana Detyam for welcoming us and giving us the opportunity to contribute. As IWA Moscow, we remain committed to supporting meaningful causes and spreading love in every way we can.

Gulfstream: Strength, Courage, and Unconditional Support

A week later, on March 10th, we visited Gulfstream, an institution that supports children and adults with special needs. Gulfstream is not just a center—it is a movement dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, helping them lead fulfilling lives through therapy, education, and vocational training.During the visit ,they,gave a detailed presentation about their work, highlighting the various programs and support they provide for children and adults with special needs. The presentation offered valuable insights into their therapy sessions, educational programs, and vocational training, reinforcing the importance of inclusion and empowerment. Their strength, determination, and unfiltered joy were deeply moving, reminding us that ability is not limited by physical or cognitive challenges but by societal perceptions.

IWA President Ms Iona Sinha expressed her gratitude to everyone for their contributions, acknowledging the generosity of the donation team. She described the experience as deeply touching and a reminder of how people often move through life without pausing to reflect. She noted that the world is full of diverse realities, some beyond imagination until they are witnessed firsthand. She encouraged everyone to feel truly fortunate and to express gratitude to the Universe for all they have.

Both visits were incredibly enriching experiences for all of us at IWA. It reinforced our belief that small gestures of kindness can have a lasting impact. These children and young adults are not just recipients of care; they are individuals with dreams, talents, and an unyielding spirit. The dedication of the staff at Strana Detyam and Gulfstream is truly commendable, and we left with a renewed sense of gratitude and a promise to continue supporting such initiatives.

Together, let’s continue to listen, support, and uplift those who need it most!

Here are some pics of the day..