Chairman of Australian Friends of Asha for Slums (AFOA) visits Chanderpuri slum community

On 4th February 2019, the Asha Team welcomed Robert Johanson (Chairman of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited) the Chairman of AFOA to Asha’s Chanderpuri slum community. After a warm welcome, Robert had a wonderful interaction with the members of the Children and Women Association and Asha’s University students. He heard stories of transformation from women and children.

The women shared how being a part of the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) has filled them with dignity and commitment to work towards their community welfare. While speaking about their journey, one of the Community Health Volunteer (CHV) remarked, “We can now differentiate between right and wrong and make decisions for ourselves”.

The students shared accounts of their experiences at University and the exposure they got during their internship. They talked about the challenges they have faced in their lives, and how Asha is continuing to help them to become ‘change-makers’ in their own community.

Robert was amazed to see how the members of the Children Association tried to speak in fluent English. They knew about the symptoms, precautions and remedies of many health problems.

While addressing the students Robert said, “Keep yourself focused and grounded, work hard and believe in yourself. Education is the only way upwards, it will always change you for better”.

He also went around the slum visiting residents, understanding their perspective towards life.

Later in the afternoon, Robert Johanson met Dr. Kiran, Founder and Director of Asha.

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