Rubina and Annie set off on their month long fundraising journey to the United Kingdom in the early hours of 2 November 2025, their hearts racing with excitement. For Rubina, it was a moment she had dreamt about for years. This was her first international trip and her very first time stepping onto a plane. Together, they were not just two young women travelling abroad. They were carrying with them the hopes and voices of thousands of Asha students and alumni from the slum communities of Delhi.
Rubina comes from the Savda slum community, and Annie from Peeragarhi. Both have received Asha’s support throughout their university journeys, along with care extended to their families in moments of crisis. Today, Rubina is a doctoral student at Indira Gandhi National Open University, and Annie works at Wipro. Their achievements are a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when opportunity meets determination.
Their arrival in the UK was filled with warmth and joy. Longtime Asha friends Nigel and Sue Rees welcomed them with open arms, instantly making them feel at home. Rubina could not stop smiling as she replayed the thrill of her first flight, while Annie took in every new detail with her quiet, steady enthusiasm. Their first ten days unfolded like a tapestry of British countryside charm, with golden autumn leaves, cosy evenings, and simple home cooked meals that felt like they were shared with family.
The trip was purposeful from the very beginning. At North Cadbury Primary School, during the morning assembly, the children’s genuine curiosity opened the door to honest conversations that Rubina and Annie will treasure for years. Evenings were filled with community events, including the lively Curry Night in Galhampton and a warm gathering at Norton St Philip Hall, where audiences listened with kindness and deep interest. They also visited the beautiful Sherborne Abbey, volunteered at a local food bank, joined small neighbourhood meetings, and met generous supporters whose commitment to Asha’s work was both moving and reassuring.
Another memorable stop was at Radley College, where Rubina and Annie were welcomed with remarkable warmth. They spoke to students and staff about their journeys and the work of Asha. For both girls, the experience of standing before young people from a completely different world, yet finding shared values and empathy, was deeply meaningful.
Between their engagements, the girls found moments to experience the beauty around them. They wandered through the historic streets of Bath, admired the breathtaking autumn landscape at Stourhead, and enjoyed the peaceful rhythm of the seaside at Lyme Regis.
So far, their journey has been an inspiring blend of cultural exchange, open hearted conversations, and extraordinary hospitality. In every interaction, Rubina and Annie have shared their stories with confidence and grace, carrying the spirit of Asha with them. Their presence has strengthened old friendships and sparked new encouragement for the work ahead.
A heartfelt thank you to all Friends of Asha for opening your homes, hosting these gatherings, and embracing the girls with such generosity.
