The inauguration of Asha’s IT Lab at Kalkaji to honour the legacy of Ms. Ruth McKibben, a longtime supporter and true friend of Asha took place on 31st August, 2021.
Ayesha welcomed the gathering that included supporters and Friends from Ireland, Asha students from Kalkaji and the Asha team.
Victoria Thampi, Chair FOA (Ireland) recollected nostalgic memories of her association with Ruth as part of the preparation of her visit to Kalkaji and shared her passion, commitment, and energy for the children and the students of Kalkaji.
Paul Kirk from the Methodist College Belfast reminisced about his association with Ruth with a quotation by W.B.Yeats- “Education is not the filling of a pot but the lighting of a fire.” He shared fond memories of his visits to Kalkaji with Ruth and said that the IT Lab will change the lives of the students and provide them new opportunities and access to better resources and help them continue their education, specially during the pandemic.
Mr. John McKibben, Ruth’s father, attended the event and wished the project all success to keep alive the memories of his daughter.
Prince, a student from Kalkaji described his association with Asha as a child and member of Asha’s Bal Mandal. He shared fond memories of Ruth during her visits to Kalkaji and expressed gratitude for the IT Lab and how it will benefit the students like him in their educational endeavours.
Ms Soni, Asha’s Senior Supervisor also remembered her association with Ruth and thanked everyone for the project.
Finally, Mr. Freddy Martin, Asha’s Associate Director in his speech, shared the dreams of Ruth and recollected how the challenges were overcome to complete this project of IT Lab with advanced computers and high-speed internet connectivity from its humble beginnings in 2018.
He thanked everyone for their hard work, cooperation and support in making this possible.