A programme that started with just 26 students getting an opportunity to intern in the year 2012, has come a long way since its inception. It has been incredible to receive such an overwhelming response, with many more partners collaborating with Asha to provide a platform for the young talent of slums. Now in its eighth year, this programme has become one of the main highlights of our student’s journey.
Katherine Storey, from Australian High Commission welcoming the students and partners.
Asha’s Internship Programme for the year 2019 was launched at the Australian High Commission on 30th May 2019, which was attended by High Commissioners, diplomats as well as corporate partners.
Australian High Commissioner, HE Harinder Sidhu congratulating and encouraging the interns.
In her opening remarks the HE Harinder Sidhu, the Australian High Commissioner to India voiced the importance of having such internship opportunity. She mentioned two critical points that impressed her the most – Capacity of the student to learn and grow and in turn how organisations learn from the interns. She also mentioned Mahinder’s fabulous journey to Australia acting as a real role model for others. She finally said that she was pleased and proud to be part of the program and wished that the rich legacy of the relationship of the Australian High Commission with Asha should grow and prosper.
Mr Freddy Martin, Associate Director of Asha thanking the partners of Asha
Mr Freddy Martin, Asha’s Associate Director, thanked all the partners, Embassies, High Commissions of Ireland, New Zealand, Denmark, Peru, Belgium, UK and Switzerland and the corporates such as Macquarie, Rio Tinto, Mazars, F1F9 and UN organization, IMF for being present on this occasion and supporting ASHA in its endeavour. He highlighted statistics of this year of 61 interns in 13 organizations, High Commissions and Embassies and expressed pride on the fact that Asha had over 300 interns in the period of 8 years. He addressed the students and advised them to make the full use of this priceless opportunity. He mentioned that these opportunities have given the student dignity respect positive environment which has provided the direction in their lives.
Angel sharing her journey with the audiences
Angel, an Asha student from Kusumpur Pahari who interned at Embassy of France last year and thanked Asha for changing her life. She mentioned that her most memorable day was when the French Embassy celebrated Asha Day and she had the privilege of representing ASHA. Finally, Ayesha introduced the selected interns to their respective organization and thanked everyone for their presence.
The event concluded with the interns and partners interacting and making follow up an action plan.
Here are a few glimpses:
