Experiences

Past volunteers experiences

Experiences

We learned that material possessions don’t equate to happiness…

“The time that we spent at Trilokpuri has been wonderful. The children have taught us that material possessions don’t equate to happiness. We can’t begin to imagine the situations these people go through every single day, but never fail to smile and be positive about life. Asha has given us perspective and taught us to be thankful for the things we have. We will cherish this experience and look forward to coming back.”
The Royal School Armagh (September 2017)

Experiences

Cannot wait to be back again next year!

“We value the time we spent volunteering at Seelampur. Every day has taught us to be more appreciative. We loved working with the children, the students and the women. We loved how inquisitive they were! What more can we say which has not already been said? This chance to experience the lives of people in the slums and witnessing first-hand how the people are getting benefitted from Asha’s work have made a lasting impression in our lives. We can’t wait to come back!”
Team Discovery Schools from UK (October 2017)

Experiences

10 days of warmth and generous hospitality received at Tigri

“The people here value education so much and have a passion to learn. The young people’s drive to succeed despite the odds is awe-inspiring. The time we spent volunteering at Tigri will hold a special place in our hearts, for the warmth and generosity each one of us received is inexpressible. Our experiences each year never cease to impress us of how far the people in the slums have come in their lives.”
Ballymena Academy (October 2017)

Experiences

What a beautiful experience! Would love to come back again…

When I first came to Asha’s Jeewan Nagar community last year, I was heartbroken to leave but returning this year did not disappoint either! I was blown away by how each of the children and students is constantly showing me new sides of themselves and growing. I came to teach PowerPoint and MS Word to the Asha students, dividing them into 4 batches. Their enthusiasm and quickness to learn made every single day fun, new and enjoyable. The Asha team helped me in every step of the way, and I could grow closer to all the people I interacted with over the weeks I was here. While I came to teach, and hope that the kids benefitted from the skills, it turned out to be a teaching for me that no matter what, smile bright like these children. The most valuable thing for me was the friends that I made and the people I came to love.
Clara Park, The River NYC (August 2017)

Experiences

A fulfilling experience to help the students

It was an overwhelming experience and an absolute honour to volunteer as the Internship
Coordinator for this year. It was a pleasure to organise the 2017 Asha Internship Program as well. Between the bright and dedicated interns and our generous partners who hosted them, I was privileged to work with terrific people. It was a learning experience for me too, from interviewing the interns and meeting the host workplaces to matching interns with placements and organizing the launch of the program. But do you know what was the most fulfilling moment? To see the happy faces of the students who brightened my day and I always went back home happy. I wish our interns all the best in their future endeavours.
Nadia Steuwer, Canada (August 2017)

Experiences

Cannot wait to be back again

”While teaching English in Anna Nagar community for around a month, I have learned a great deal about life in the Delhi slums from the Asha students, and the impact of Asha’s work. The hospitality of the locals has been incredible, and I will sorely miss all the great friends I have made here. I will cherish the memories always and surely hope to come back and teach here again in the future”.
Andrew Robertson, Student, Scotland (July 2017)

Experiences

The most fulfilling experience of my life

”Volunteering at Asha was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. My volunteering lasted only for four months but the friendships I made will last forever. It taught me that success does not depend on hardships one faces but their determination to achieve even when things go horribly wrong. I went to teach the children at Asha, but ended up being a student. The children here are full of determination. They taught me how to be content, how to sail even when the wind is against you and how scientia ipsa potentia est (knowledge itself is power) still holds true. Knowledge is the greatest gift anyone can ever give to someone, the one I received from Asha. It was a very humbling experience which changed me in ways I could have never imagined. I got the opportunity to experience what true happiness means and I look forward to being involved in future as well”.
Sudhanshu Agarwal, Student-India (June 2017)

Experiences

What an inspiring week!

“As we visited the slums and projects Asha has taken up, we were blown away by the genuine community transformation taking place. The precious people we talked and laughed with, who are seizing opportunities for a better life with both hands, gave us much encouragement. For us, a connection has been made with Asha, one that we hope to develop in the future”.
Dave & Chole, UK (March 2017)

Experiences

I can’t wait to bring another team next year

”In Feb my husband and I took a team of 14 people from across the US to Delhi, with the purpose of seeing firsthand the work that Asha is doing in slums across the city. This was the 4th trip to India and each time we visit, we get a deeper understanding of the wonderful transformation taking place in these slum neighborhoods. It was a privilege to deepen our relationship with the communities of Jeewan Nagar and Seelampur and can’t wait to bring another team next year!”
Sara Furste, River NYC (Feb 2017)

During your stay with Asha

An Indian Adventure…

”David and I had an absolutely amazing experience in New Delhi and what struck us most, from the moment we stepped off the plane, was the complete contrast between the fantastic high rise structures and beautiful temples and the abject poverty of the people living literally on the pavement and under bridges with little more than a mattress and the clothes they were wearing.

We were able to witness first hand, the impact of the work of the ASHA charity group we had gone to support and which has been close to our hearts as a school for the last 4 years.

We were privileged to work with the children who attend the ASHA centre. They all live in the slums, many one room houses (I use the term loosely) with often 7, 8 or more people living together and sharing one bed. Yet, the children are very grateful for everything they do have. Their families are close-knit communities who enjoy being together and they strive to live their lives according to the ASHA values which are very similar to our Values of Friendship, Generosity, Love, Kindness etc. We were delighted to be able to sing songs and share stories with the children. We both have memories that will stay with us forever”.
Lisa and David Bernard, Clifton-upon – Dunsmore C of E Primary School, UK(2017)

Experiences

An Indian Adventure…

”I spent 10 days volunteering in the Asha centre in Mayapuri in 2014 and 2016 with a group of pupils from The Wallace High School, Northern Ireland. The warmth of welcome and kindness shown was truly touching. I love the people of Mayapuri and the experience of working with the kids was exhilarating and truly inspirational. They have truly left an imprint on my heart”.
Victoria Thampi, Wallace High School, Northern Island (Nov 2016)

Experiences

It was my immense joy to return to Delhi and serve Asha as a medical volunteer

“I carried out clinics in 4 different slums and one in the polyclinic at Asha HQ. I was particularly delighted to conduct ‘home visits’ to patients who were too weak to attend the clinics. The beauty of Asha is that although volunteers may only be able to stay for a week, the infrastructure is already set up so that patient follow up and long term care is continued by the excellent local health care volunteers attached to each Asha slum. Thus an acorn is able to grow into a mature and fruitful tree”.
Dr Elaine Smith, Rheumatologist, UK (2012)

If you’re interested in volunteering for Asha, just click here to download a copy of our application form and then send the completed version to our headquarters in Delhi. If you are able to add a photo electronically, then you can email the form to info@asha-india.org

Please give now

Asha’s Mission is to work with the urban poor to bring about long-term and sustainable transformation to their quality of life.

Asha India - children on the slum streets