Posted: 30/03/2007
On Tuesday, seven students from Aberdeen University arrived to volunteer for Asha for two weeks. Yesterday the volunteers spent the day being shown the area in which they would be working, and met the local Mahila Mandal (women's group).
That afternoon, in a welcome contrast to the heat and grime of Mayapuri, the team visited Creon and Wendy Butler, the British Deputy High Commissioner and his wife, at their home in the diplomatic compound.
Wendy explained the different aspects of her husband's job and her part in it, and the couple chatted with the team about their impressions of Delhi and their plans for their time here. There are six medical students in the team and they are looking forward to spending some time in Asha's health clinics. One of the girls mentioned being surprised at hearing how much knowledge the Community Health Volunteers had, and how many people they were able to treat using just basic medical supplies.
The team's main task is to paint the Asha centre at Mayapuri, as years of use has left it looking very shabby. In addition to this, the team will also be spending time running craft workshops for the children. They're also planning to squeeze in a day trip to see the Taj Mahal, and a weekend of white-water rafting. Keep an eye out for photos that will be posted soon!
We're very grateful to Wendy and Creon for making the time in their extremely busy schedules to meet the team.
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I was widowed at 25 and left with 3 children – the youngest was just one year old. Asha helped me financially so I could send my children to school and now have a job as a maid. I thought about ending my life but Asha gave me the support to carry on.
Vimla, Ekta Vihar
