Kodaikanal International School — Tamil-Nadu, India

While doing humanitarian work across the world, John Francis and Caye Poe of Dayton, Oregon, both volunteer teachers, taught the Purple Hands Pledge® to various countries and communities including:

Tamil-Nadu, India — Kodaikanal International School 
Maasai Country, Central Tanzania — Your Sister’s Orphanage
Honduras — School for Homeless Youth
Columbia, South America — Public Schools
Madagascar — Donation of Sewing Machines to a Rural School


Photos below show Caye Poe (left) helping high school students at Kodaikanal International School in the state of Tamil-Nadu in Southern India, sign the Purple Hands Pledge®.

More than 300 pupils, including students from Korea and Bhutan, signed the Purple Hands Pledge®, and some said they were going to have their parents sign as well. 

John Francis and Caye Poe, husband & wife, found the Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project® from Gretchen Olson, author, “Call Me Hope”, & Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of the
Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project®.

A message of gratitude from Ann S.  Kelly, Founder/Executive Director – Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project®

I am forever grateful for our shared vision of promoting peace through education. Thank you for teaching our universal Purple Hands Pledge® to multiple diverse cultures in countries around the world.