Posted: 21/08/2010
On 21st August, the new batch of 106 college students from Asha slums gathered at Asha Headquarters, where Dr Kiran Martin distributed gifts to the students and congratulated them on the impressive achievement of getting into college.
Dr Martin encouraged the students to study hard and embrace academic life. The students were assured that Asha would endeavour to provide all types of support during their college period and urged them to contact Asha staff with any problems they might be face.
After completing their first month at college, the students were eager to share their experiences with the director. Many said they were the first people from their village to go to college. They were relishing the beautiful and open spaces of the college campuses, a welcome change from the crowded, treeless conditions of the slums. Students are looking forward to making the most of college life and taking advantage of all the new opportunities available to them. They are relishing the chance to study in the library, join student clubs and meet new friends.
As they are the 3rd year of children from Asha slums to go to college, these students are looking to the second and third year seniors to see how their fellows have successfully managed to integrate into college life.
They have overcome great adversary to be here, succeeding with far fewer educational resources than the majority of their peers, on their merits of their own intelligence and hard work. They also know there is great responsibility on their shoulders. They are not only furthering their own career and life opportunities by attending college; they are raising the hopes and aspirations of their communities also. And they are challenging society’s idea that children from the slums don’t belong at college and can’t succeed academically.
Originally I was wary of Asha and not keen to get involved, but then I joined a women's group and went on to train as a Community Health Volunteer. I am able to lead others because I set an example and show how people can gain so much by being part of our work.
Shakuntala, women's group president, Mayapuri
