Aasara

It is an incontrovertible truth that children are a country’s future citizens. It is, therefore, the responsibility of all the adults to try to create an environment where the children can grow up without impediment and there they will be able to develop and show their true potential. It is a tragedy that, even though children are humanity’s greatest asset, thousands around the world are destined to grow up under the shadow of neglect and deprivation. Millions of children live without food, without a home, and without medical help. An enormous number of children are still deprived of education and forced to work like adults in order to survive.

Despite the scale of the challenge, AASARA is committed to trying to make a difference through a variety of a rehabilitation projects.

A few examples of children given refuge by AASARA

David is a 10 year old Catholic boy. His mother tongue is Marathi. His mother died as a result of the violence and abuse of his father, who was a construction worker, but who spent most of his time indulging in drink and petty crime. He is now in prison.
David is now studying 2nd grade at New Bombay’s Municipal School. He lives in the AASARA’s residence in Bombay. When we first met him 3 years ago, we found out that, at the age of 7, he was working 13 hours a day selling tea for a small salary of 15 rupees. Later we entered him into our informal education programme so that he could be admitted to formal school. He was a very good student and ranked 4th in his first grade class. This year he has continued to study hard and achieved 5th place in the 2nd grade ranking in his first exam.
He has proved to be very intelligent and studious. He maintains a good appearance, dressing well and keeping neat and tidy. He volunteers to take part in activities organised by the school and the shelter unit. There is a marked improvement in his overall behaviour, too.

Nilesh is an 8 year old Hindi boy whose mother tongue is Marathi. His father, who used to sell spirit made at home, is dead. His mother was a cleaning woman and Nilesh contributed to the family budget through his earnings. He never went to school. When his mother contracted tuberculosis, the Sisters of Mother Theresa welcomed him into their Community house in Airolo, Bombay.
When our Father Joe celebrated Mass for the Sisters of Mother Teresa, he was asked if he could welcome Nilesh in AASARA’s shelter. Nilesh has lived with us for more than 3 years since then and, after a year of preparatory tuition, he was admitted to the First Course of the Municipal School of Mumbai [Bombay], where he effortlessly became the top student in his class. This year he is in the second course and came 7^th in the first exam.

Jafer is 10 years of age, he is Muslim and his mother tongue is Hindi. His father’s name is Ibrahim, his mother’s name, Haseena. He has four other brothers and five sisters. His father works as a salesman and his mother is a cleaning lady. Jafer was obliged to work from a tender age and was not able to play, as children of his age should do. And so one day he decided to run away from home and headed for the Dader railway station, in Bombay. His used to divide his time between Dader and Victoria Terminus and his job as a tea pedlar.
One day we met him at the railway station and we took him to AASARA. He had a year’s preparation in our school before being admitted to the First Course of the Municipal School of New Bombay, where he became one of the best students in the class. This year he has passed the second course and has achieved sixth position in the first exam.
This is huge progress for a child who, after running away from home, spent almost 6 years on the streets. His health is good and he regularly takes part in activities such as singing, painting, workshops and contests. Furthermore, he has proved very talented in his theatrical performances. He also writes articles in our yearly magazine, describing different aspects of his life.

Chandler is 11, he is Hindi and his mother tongue is Telegu. His father, who is now dead, was called Sitaram. His mother is called Gamra and is a construction worker. His brother is also a bricklayer. His sister is a domestic assistant.
Before coming into contact with the AASARA organisation Chandler lived rough and did not attend school. He was admitted to our residence nearly 4 years ago. Then he spent a year and a half in our informal school until he got onto the First course in the Municipal School of Thane, run by the Government. He passed the grade as the second best student in class. He is now in the second Course, also scoring good marks
He is a very shy and studious boy. He often takes part in extra school activities: sport, painting and song contests. He has also attended the camps organized by the W.W.F