On 20th January 2019, Asha had the honour and pleasure of welcoming Prime Minister of Denmark His Excellency Lars Løkke Rasmussen along with his spouse Ms. Sólrun Løkke Rasmussen to Jeewan Nagar slum colony. He was accompanied by the Ambassador of Denmark to India, Mr. Peter Taksøe-Jensen, and his spouse Ms.Gitte Taksøe-Jensen, and other members of his team. They were greeted with traditional Indian garlands by Dr Kiran Martin, the Founder and Director of Asha, and Godfrey Martin, the Associate Director.
Eighteen Asha ambassadors, who are either professionals or are studying at University, had the opportunity to meet the visitors. They provided an overview of the pathbreaking initiatives in the area of slum development- Asha’s Higher Education Programme. Speaking in fluent English, the Asha ambassadors narrated their tales of challenges, hope, dreams and victories.
Chandan, a post-graduate from Delhi University, spoke about the experiences of his internship and how it has helped him in getting employment in the Royal Danish Embassy as an Administrative Assistant.
“We are proud that the Royal Danish Embassy along with all the other High Commissions and Embassies have contributed in employing bright Asha students,” said His Excellency Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
Prime Minister Rasmussen was also delighted to learn about Asha’s work particularly its health initiatives and the Women Association’s work in the local slum since 2006. The women spoke about their journey towards empowerment and their transformation.
He also met the enthusiastic Children Association who shared about the Asha values as the base of their education. They also cited examples of gratitude and compassion. The Prime Minister took the initiative of touring the slum community and had the first-hand experience of exploring a shanty of an Asha Ambassador in the premises.
Dr Kiran, shared Asha’s three-tier healthcare model, explaining the role of the community health volunteers. She spoke about the clinics in the Asha centres and their role in combatting the mortality rate, infections and incidences of disease.
Prime Minister Rasmussen said, “There is hope for everybody, but you have to work hard and invest in yourself. I am proud and humbled to have known and met you all. This visit gave me a lot of hope and optimism.”
From the whole Asha team, we send our heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the Prime Minister of Denmark for visiting us.
Glimpses of the visit:
