Posted: 17/11/2010
On Friday, 12th November, Asha students were welcomed by the Australian Higher Commission at a reception on the residential lawns. HE Mr Peter Varghese, the Australian High Commissioner, thanked the children, Asha staff, supporters and other special guests for attending. He said that being involved with the Asha programme was one of the highlights of his diplomatic career and that he was so pleased that the Australian High Commission was once again pledging financial support to the Asha Higher Education Programme of 1,000,000 Rupees. He also announced the donation of 200,000 Rupees that collected by the Australian Commonwealth Games Team. Asha founder and director Dr Kiran Martin thanked the High Commissioner for his hospitality and for the generous and unwavering support of the Australian High Commission for Asha programmes over the years.
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Above: Dr Martin accepts donations from HE Mr Peter Varghese on behalf of the Australian High Commission
The weather was extremely pleasant and the children enjoyed refreshments while chatting with Asha friends and supporters in the lovely setting of the residential lawns. They felt very proud and important to be honoured in this way. Two children told their stories.
Suman from Zakhira slum colony said ‘a girl’s education was not considered important. Everyone used to think that after marriage, girls should just be occupied with household duties. But thanks to Asha, today I am pursuing the B.A. Programme at Delhi University’s Deen Dayal Upadhyay College. I also have a dream to one day become a teacher.’
Diwakar, a 3rd year BA student at Delhi University’s Ram Lal Anand College from Kanak Durga slum colony told the crowd, ‘today, I can say very confidently that next year I will pursue a Masters in Business Administration, and thereafter find a good job. I want to contribute my first salary to Asha, so that I can play a part in motivating disadvantaged students from my community and their families to pursue further studies.’
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Above: Diwakar shares his story
Asha is very grateful to HE Mr Peter Varghese and the Australian High Commission for organizing and hosting this event. We are also grateful to representatives of the Nossal Institute of Melbourne University for their presence. Asha is very excited the developments in about our partnership with Melbourne University. Finally we are so happy that Asha friends and supporters were able to be present, especially those who have flown to India from Friends of Asha UK to show their support.
Transformation of lives is possible through educating and creating awareness about health and hygiene and empowering people to lobby for their rights. I truly believe that these people can completely change their lives. We are only here to help them.
Sweeta, Senior Programme Assistant, Asha
