Eleven-year-old Sahib grew up surrounded by the harsh realities of life. His home was not a place of peace, but one of turmoil. His father’s drinking led to violent outbursts, leaving Sahib and his older sister trapped in a cycle of fear and pain. Eventually, his parents separated, and he came to live with his grandparents in the Seelampur slum community. Yet, the emotional scars from those early years remained.
When Sahib first came to the Asha Centre five years ago, he barely spoke. The trauma had left him withdrawn, his eyes downcast, as though the weight of his young life was too much to bear. It seemed as if the world had stolen his voice. His sister, though equally affected, clung to the hope that Asha could bring them a sense of normalcy. And over time, it did.
For Sahib, Asha became more than just a place to go after school; it became a refuge. At the centre, he found a second family, one that offered understanding, kindness, and the stability he had been missing. Here, he could be a child again, without fear. He started opening up, slowly at first—joining in activities, playing chess, reading books, and finding comfort in the warmth of the volunteers and staff.
Now in sixth grade, Sahib has transformed into a confident, curious young boy. He walks into the Asha Centre each day with a smile on his face, eager to do his homework, learn new things, and play with friends. He loves meeting new volunteers from all over the world, hearing their stories, and sharing his own. The computer, once an unfamiliar machine, has become his gateway to exploring a world beyond his slum—a world filled with possibilities.
Looking back, it’s hard to imagine that this was the same boy who once could barely make eye contact. Sahib’s story is one of quiet courage and resilience. It’s a story of a young boy reclaiming his voice, his joy, and his future—one day at a time.
Sahib’s journey, like that of so many children at Asha, shows the incredible power of a safe space and caring community. Your support allows us to continue transforming lives, helping children like Sahib discover their potential and build brighter futures, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
