Here's what some recent US-based visitors to Asha India have to say about their volunteer experiences:
Jeremy
My two weeks working with Asha has truly been an experience of a lifetime. Observing the amazing Dr.Sharmilla at the polyclinic taught me lessons about compassionate medical care that I’ll use as a future doctor. The clinic and their services provide an option for those in need, and it was inspiring to see the staff dedicate their lives to the people of Delhi.
In the afternoons, the people of the Kusumpur Pahari slum would invite me into their community to witness the healthcare they provided and to teach the children of the Asha society. Although it initially seemed that we didn’t have much in common (me being a medical student in South Carolina), we bonded over our love of family, sports, and Netflix. My personal highlight was playing gulley cricket with the older children as they taught me the rules of the game. Not long after, a crowd ensued as more people from the community joined in on the fun.
In the afternoons, the people of the Kusumpur Pahari slum would invite me into their community to witness the healthcare they provided and to teach the children of the Asha society. Although it initially seemed that we didn’t have much in common (me being a medical student in South Carolina), we bonded over our love of family, sports, and Netflix. My personal highlight was playing gulley cricket with the older children as they taught me the rules of the game. Not long after, a crowd ensued as more people from the community joined in on the fun.
Mandy
"What is so profound about Asha is that there is something magical happening there - the light, hope, love, sense of something greater that facilitates the breaking down of preconceived notions, barriers, and judgment through creating connection. I arguably could not have less in common with the women and kids living in the slums of Delhi. And yet, as soon as I took the opportunity to engage - to lock eyes with these people and listen to them and love them (a genuine love), I was faced with a better understanding about what’s universal and what relationships can do."
Matt
"I was taken into a dark, 6x6 ft room that an entire family lived in. Their college aged son fired up a battery powered flashlight and excitedly showed me his math study books. It wasn't his flashlight that lit up that room - it was the deep sense of hope and excitement for life that this guy had. Thanks to Asha, he was attending college, fulfilling his dreams of becoming a mathematics professor. He will make it."
Anthony
"This experience has motivated me to share my time, knowledge and resources in hopes of creating fuller lives for the children of New Delhi's slums and others like them so that they will become empowered, and empower the next generation."