Frequently asked questions

Why are there so many people in the slums of Delhi?

In a city of over 14 million people, there are now around 4 million slum dwellers. The majority of these people have migrated from their villages in rural parts of India to look for work and a better standard of living.

However, when they arrive they find that life in Delhi is very expensive and even when they find work they cannot afford a place to live. They end up living in a slum area in the most primitive surroundings, with little shelter, no sanitation, cooking facilities or other basic necessities.

What makes Asha's approach different?

Asha's approach is based very largely on training and empowerment. We want to enable people living in the slums to take responsibility for improving their living conditions and their health. Everything in slum dwellers' lives - their background, lack of education, living conditions and so on - makes it difficult for them to do this without direction or support. Asha aims to provide training, encouragement and practical help so that people will develop the skills and confidence needed to make changes to their situations.

Can I come and see what is going on?

By all means - if you are in Delhi and would like to see Asha's work first hand, just email us and let us know when you'll be here. If at all possible, we will let you experience the vitality and effectiveness of Asha's work.

We also welcome contact from medical students or students on a gap year, who would like to work with Asha for an extended period, and people with various skills who wish to volunteer for a shorter time. See the Volunteering page for more information.

How is Asha funded?

Asha is funded entirely by the assistance of our friends and partners in India and overseas; these include other charitable organisations, the Indian government and individual supporters. Click here to find out who our partners are, both here and abroad.

What can I do to help Asha?

There are lots of possibilities! We rely greatly on our partners and supporters around the world who will either pray for our work or contribute financially. Of course, the more money we have, the more we are able to do here in Delhi. Every contribution is valuable, especially if it is given regularly.

See the How You Can Help section for more details of how to support Asha.

How much of my money will actually go to help people living in the slums?

Less than 8% of funds raised are spent on administration and so the vast majority of our donors' money is spent directly on Asha's projects.

By giving to Asha, you will know that people in very different circumstances from your own can break free from the destructive cycle of poverty and despair. You will also be making a practical contribution towards educating people worldwide about ways in which poverty can be reduced.

What is the motivation behind Asha?

Asha works without discrimination with everybody in the slum areas, from every religious and ethnic background. Its staff members include both Christians and Hindus. The prime motivation behind the work of Asha, however, is the love of God and a desire to follow Jesus Christ. This basic Christian ethos motivates all the work that Asha does in helping and empowering the poor.   

How can I learn more?

Our current annual report can be found online by clicking here, and you can contact us with any specific queries by emailing info@asha-india.org.