On 17th March 2025, a distinguished 22-member delegation of Indian-origin persons from New Zealand, accompanying New Zealand’s Prime Minister on their visit to India, visited the Asha Centre in the Mayapuri slum community. They were warmly welcomed by the community members and the Asha team who expressed their gratitude and excitement for the visit.
The delegation group witnessed firsthand the incredible work being done by Asha to uplift the community. They engaged in meaningful conversations with university students and the women’s group, listening to their inspiring stories of perseverance and determination. The students shared how, despite facing numerous hardships such as financial struggles and societal challenges, they remained committed to their education and future aspirations.
Many of them are the first in their families to attend college, a remarkable achievement made possible through Asha’s support. The delegation was deeply moved by these stories, seeing how Asha’s interventions had transformed lives by providing educational opportunities, mentorship, and encouragement. They expressed their admiration for the students’ resilience and applauded Asha’s commitment to fostering change and conveyed their willingness to support Asha in its mission to empower more young people and families in the community.
The visit also highlighted the progress made within the slum over the years. The students and women’s group shared how living conditions had improved significantly since Asha’s involvement, bringing access to education, healthcare, and better livelihoods. Inspired by their journey, many students are now role models, motivating others in their community to pursue higher education and dream big.
The visit highlighted the importance of Asha’s work in breaking the cycle of poverty through education and community empowerment and strengthened the partnership between Asha and international supporters, paving the way for further collaboration in transforming lives and creating a brighter future for the community.
