Hi folks,

Kerry and I are here in Delhi volunteering with ASHA - an inspirational and pioneering NGO making a huge difference in Delhi's slum colonies. One billion people live in India's slums and so the need is very great.

Our volunteering involves us assisting with ASHA's english literacy programme in Javeen Nagar, one of Delhi's many slums. The picture I've uploaded on the left shows three of the children who, while not yet old enough to attend the english classes, attend at the Javeen Nagar centre. These three crack me up and they have a big place in my affections. Giggling and dancing the whole day long, they are adorable as they are funny.

These children and the lives of dozens others with whom we are working are testimony to the unique and ground breaking work of ASHA. On the go since 1988, ASHA's healthcare inititiatives have succeeded in reducing the mortality rate for children under the age of five to 30 per 1000 live births in slums where ASHA have set up centres. This is much less than the 76 per 1000 live births which pertains to India as a whole and the equivalent in India's slums not yet reached by ASHA where the figure is 100 per 1000 live births.  A great success in a country which has the highest incidence of under five deaths in the world. Also, 84% of children under the age of five and living in ASHA slums are healthy for their age while, in India as a whole, only 41% of under fives are healthy. For the avoidance of doubt, these are 'WHO' statistics. It's profound for us to stand every day in front of a classroom of children who, but for the work of ASHA - potentially - would not enjoy the health they now have, nor the opportunities which good health brings.
 
As I mentioned, Kerry and I are assisting with ASHA's english literacy programme. Considering that 75% of men and 90% of women in India's slums are illiterate, this programme plays a vital part in creating a brighter future for Delhi's slum children. Already the fruits of the programme are evident. Just this month, for the first time at ASHA, slum children are positioning themselves for enrolling in college classes - some even at the prestigious Delhi University!

Being here affords a unique perspective. It's not the teaching in 40 degrees heat and 70% humidity. It's not the lack of resources and infrastructure and all those other things we take for granted back home. It's not even being surrounded by poverty, overcrowding and quagmires of filth and waste when the rains come.  It's the people. It's the women, of such spirit and heart, it's an honour to work alongside. It's the thrill and excitement of the children at each act of kindness. It's seeing firsthand that people can make a difference.  
 
We should be really grateful if you would consider making a difference too by donating to ASHA. Kerry and I have a modest fundraising target of 800 GBP and, with your support, would like to think this is well within our reach. As a special incentive, the children would be thrilled to send letters of thanks to all those who donate. So long as you get your donation in quick (before we leave in mid-July) and you email us your postal address, then we will see to it that you receive a personal letter of thanks from one of the children with whom we are directly working. It is after all an excellent opportunity for them to practise their english writing skills!

For those of you who may not have used a 'Just Giving' Website before, we can assure you that donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is the most efficient way to sponsor. ASHA will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

A big thank you for taking the time to check out this website. Your support means a lot.     

Ross and Kerry

For pictures of the kids, follow this link:

http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn219/ross_travel_pics/Volunteering%20with%20ASHA/

To find out more about ASHA, follow these links:

http://www.asha-india.org/.
http://www.asha-india.org/WhatPeopleSay.aspx