We were honored to have Britain’s Foreign Office minister, Rt Hon Mark Field MP, visit Asha’s Kanak Durga slum community yesterday. Minister Field was received with much fervor by Dr. Kiran Martin, Founder, and Director, Asha, who welcomed the minister and the British High Commissioner in India, Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG, with traditional Indian garlands.

Despite his busy schedule, Rt Hon Mark Field spent time interacting with the women and the Asha students and was delighted to learn about the Asha initiatives on, community empowerment, education, health and environment in the slum areas in Delhi.

Sharing about Asha’s work Dr. Kiran said, “Asha started an education drive which has now turned into an education movement’’.
Women and students shared their inspiring stories of change through Asha’s intervention. Successful Asha graduates, Usha and Fouzia spoke about the wonderful opportunities higher education programme has provided them with, along with the Mentorship and Internship Programme that has helped them secure good jobs in the reputed organization across India.

Four Asha students were awarded certificates by the minister for successfully completing their internship at the British High Commission last year.

While addressing the gathering, MP Field in his speech said, “This is an amazing initiative. I hope to see many more movements for the students living in the slums. Education is the most important ladder to opportunities. Thank you for this wonderful visit, I am pleased that Sir Dominic was able to help the talented young people like you all’’.

The highlight of the event was the gully cricket played between Asha students and the dignitary himself that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

We are humbled to have been a part of Rt Hon Mark Field’s visit to India. We thank the British High Commissioner, Sir Dominic Asquith for making this happen and hope that our partnership continues to transform lives of the urban poor in Delhi.