On Saturday 29th November, Asha hosted a Students’ Meet for class 12 students and their parents from Asha project areas all over Delhi. The event was an opportunity for students and their parents to hear about the benefits of higher education and the support that Asha provides to pursue university studies.
The audience heard from Asha Student Ambassadors who are currently pursuing university studies through Asha’s Higher Education Programme. Ahklaq from Chanderpuri shared his experience of being supported by Asha from 10th Class right through university. He talked about the guidance he received from his mentor through the Mentorship Programme and the two internships he has completed, one with the International Rice Research Institute and the other with the New Zealand High Commission, which has led to a part-time job.
Neha from Peeragarhi shared her experience of being a fresher in university and how going to college, along with opening doors of brighter future prospects, has helped her develop her personality and people skills. Shiv from Seelampur talked about his university experience and particularly the Student Ambassador Programme. Community Health Volunteer, Meena, from Anna Nagar shared her experience as a parent and discussed the benefits for her family, both economic and social, from her daughters’ completing their university studies.
In her speech, Dr Kiran encouraged the students in every way. She discussed how education is an integral part of the Asha values and how the Higher Education Programme has already supported 1200 students and aims to reach 5000. She told the student ambassadors from all the slum communities to help class 12 students prepare for and apply to universities after school. “I will make sure that your children have all the support, both financial and institutional, from Asha for pursuing Higher Education. They will never have to step back due to lack of resources as they strive to achieve their dreams,” she promised the parents.
She also highlighted the importance of the values like joy, optimism, generosity and compassion that the form the core of Asha’s work and encouraged the students and parents to imbibe them into their lives.
Overall, it was a very informative and warm afternoon and hopefully will encourage many students and their parents to take the leap of faith towards a brighter future.
For more photographs from the event click here http://on.fb.me/1yAOk8l
