Posted: 10/03/2009
4th March was another big day for the ‘History Makers' - the first 30 children from our slums to ever attend college - who along with Dr. Martin were invited to the Irish Embassy by Mr. Pat Bourne, Deputy Ambassador of Ireland to India.
Mr. Bourne was introduced to Dr. Martin and the work of Asha when he first came to India, about 5 years ago. Since then he has visited Asha's projects on numerous occasions and we have received a lot of funding from the Irish Embassy for many of our projects.
These college students are becoming the talk of the town now that they have proved themselves to be determined young men and women, capable of facing whatever challenges come their way, and Mr. Bourne was very happy to hear about their experiences.
The students told Mr. Bourne that when they started attending college other slum residents would tell them that they would be back to their old life in a week's time, but now, after seeing them go to college for almost a year, the same slum dwellers are hoping to send their children to college as well! The journey for them hasn't been simple however, they explained. Going to college is not a part of the culture of slum dwellers, it never happens. People living in slums feel that the little money their children earn doing whatever they can is better then having their children waste time at college. Even if some people feel that a college education is important, they cant afford the fees. Without a quiet place to study, no role models, no books, insufficient food, frequent power cuts, without encouragement from their family or teachers, a college education is like a distant dream. They even doubted themselves when they started.
The students thanked Asha for helping them financially, arranging for counselling sessions for them, and also providing them the emotional support and encouragement required for them to succeed.
Now that they have realised the importance of a college education, these students have started mentoring others who are about to finish school so that they can also do well in their exams and attend college.
The excited students told Mr. Bourne that they have made friends with students from other backgrounds and all of a sudden a whole new world has opened up to them! The experience of getting to be a part of Delhi University and have distinguished professors teach them has opened up their minds. They are more confident and are able to express themselves better.
The students asked Mr. Bourne many questions and ideas were exchanged freely. Some students were curious about the college students in Ireland and Mr. Bourne was happy to tell them about the system of education in Ireland and hear them speak about their college experiences.
.jpg)
Mr. Bourne said that when he was in Calcutta he would pass by slums and wonder if there was any hope for the children there. But after seeing Asha's work he is certain that these students are going to do well and be a source of inspiration for others who intend to walk down their path.
The association between the Irish Embassy and Asha has lasted for over 4 years and Mr. Bourne said that this association would continue as he was greatly inspired by the work of Asha.
Mr. Bourne thanked and praised Dr. Martin and all the other Asha staff members for helping these children realise their dreams. He congratulated the students on their achievements and gave them his best wishes.
Return to more recent news articles
I was pregnant and dangerously anaemic. I couldn't afford to visit a hospital but a women's group member took me to see an Asha doctor who persuaded my husband to donate some blood. One of the Asha staff donated blood as well! My baby was delivered safely, but if it wasn't for Asha we both could have died.
Nafisa, Ekta Vihar
