“Asha” means “hope” in Hindi. We give people living in slum areas hope by allowing them to realise their potential, regardless of their background, caste or religious beliefs. Around 700,000 people in more than 91 slum colonies of Delhi benefit from our work. To work with the urban poor to bring about long-term and sustainable transformation to their quality of life. Through a practical expression of the Christian values of faith, hope and love, we aim to provide holistic community-based healthcare, empowerment, financial inclusion, education and environmental improvements by training, resourcing and encouraging slum communities to receive and enjoy their basic human rights. Asha also aims to influence the lives of its international audience by sharing local practice, experience and vision and facilitating partnerships where awareness and association between different cultures can impact and change individuals globally. They are committed to: – Working among the poor without discrimination of any kind such as those based on sex, caste, religion, language, race, colour or other status. – Being at the forefront of the pursuit of justice and peace for the poor, and dealing with the systems that make and keep poor people in poverty. – Challenging oppressive social structures and responding to injustice through non-violence and active peacemaking. – Empowering the poor to lead full and meaningful lives, and building vibrant communities through the advance of love, neighbourliness, forgiveness and reconciliation. – Practising a liberating generosity towards the poor and giving them the opportunities they deserve. – Demonstrating earnestness in prayer for the needs of the poor and for all our partners. – Valuing diversity, and the skills and gifts of each team member. – Maintaining excellence in the quality of our programmes. – Exhibiting good stewardship of limited resources. – Fostering effective partnerships with the government, funding agencies and other NGOs. To find out more about the work that Asha do visit https://asha-india.org/ Anjula Devi becomes Asha Ambassador …..helping transform the lives of the urban poor