By Rajeshwari Narsimha | Communication Associate
Inspiring Dreams Driving Change
AASRAA TURNS 16!
On 12 March 2025, Aasraa completed 16 years on the ground. From 35 children to over 25,000 lives transformed, it's been a journey of resilience, growth and hope.
We are deeply grateful to our donors, supporters and volunteers who stood with us on every step of the way.
Thank you for being an essential part of our mission!
IMPACT IN ACTION – REAL STORIES, REAL PROGRESS
(Name changed to protect the identity of children)
1. Story of finding her inner call
Sapna lives in the slum community with five siblings, one of whom, Rohit, is also studying at the Aasraa Trust’s NIOS center. Her eldest brother and two older sisters have married and are living separately with their own families.
“Before Aasraa, I never imagined I'd be in a classroom, let alone dream of becoming a tailor. Now, I not only study but also create things with my hands. Aasraa has helped me find my confidence and my future”.
In 2020, the Aasraa’s outreach team discovered Sapna and encouraged her and her parents to enroll her in Aasraa’s Education cart. Education Carts are refurbished vegetable carts filled with interactive teaching learning materials to ignite the love for learning in children. Despite the challenges of life, including the loss of her mother, Sapna has not only persevered but has thrived.
In 2022 she was enrolled into the National Institute of Open Schooling in Level A (class 3rd) subsequently promoting to Level B (class 5th) Sapna has grown from a shy girl into a confident student. With an impressive academic performance, she is longer the quiet observer; she actively participates in every activity and takes on responsibilities like managing the center assembly.
Sapna faces hardships daily. Yet, she remains undeterred, driven by her dreams. Inspired by her teachers and fellow students, she has discovered her passion for tailoring. Under the guidance of her stitching teacher, she has already created beautiful items like cushion covers and bags, showcasing her growing skills.
Sapna is currently mainstreamed in our partner school in class 9and has found her haven in Aasraa’s Shelter home.
Sapna’s story is one of strength and determination. Her journey reminds us that with support, encouragement, and hard work, even the most difficult circumstances can lead to personal growth and achievement. She aspires to become a tailor, and with her discipline and talent, there’s no doubt she will stitch a bright future for herself.
2. A dream to rise from Village streets to the Indian Air Force Cockpit
Priya came under the Aasraa umbrella in class 9th in 2017 and lives in Aasraa’s Shelter Home. She hails from a small village. After the untimely passing of her mother, Priya’s family dynamics shifted significantly. Her father works in the kitchen of a hostel, striving to provide for a large and growing family. Her stepmother resides in their village, caring for Priya’s younger siblings—her biological sister currently in Class 10, a six-month-old stepsister, and two younger stepbrothers, one in Class 5 and another only three years old, yet to begin school. As the sole breadwinner, her father bears the weight of many responsibilities, making it difficult to meet the needs of his family.
“After losing my mother, life felt uncertain. Aasraa gave me a safe place to stay, to study, and to grow. Today, I dream of flying high—literally—as a pilot in the Indian Air Force. Education changed everything for me”.
Despite these hurdles, Priya has remained committed to her education. She is studying in Aasraa’s partner school and has consistently performed well academically, securing an impressive 84% in her Class 10 board exams. She recently appeared for her Class 12 exams, having chosen the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) stream. Currently, she is enrolled in a Basics in Computer course at Aasraa’s skill training centre, SkillAbility, to strengthen her foundational knowledge and technical skills as she waits for her class 12 results.
Priya aspires to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Technology. She is also deeply passionate about serving in the Indian Air Force as a pilot.
She is an active participant in extracurriculars, particularly Yoga, where she has proudly represented her district, and volleyball.
Priya embodies resilience, ambition, and the spirit of perseverance. With the right guidance and continued support, she holds immense promise to rise above her circumstances and create a meaningful impact in the world. We strongly believe that with mentorship and opportunity, Priya can realize her dreams and inspire many others along the way.
3. A dream to become a Master Chef!
Mohan has been with Aasraa Trust for eight years. As an orphan, he sought refuge with Aasraa Trust, finding a nurturing environment at Aasraa’s shelter home. His brother also resides at Aasraa.
He joined Aasraa in 2018, and started studying in one of Aasraa’s partner schools.
In 2023, Mohan scored well in his 12th-grade examinations with 71%. Since then, he has shown remarkable dedication and confidence in helping him to shape his career aspirations.
"I lost my parents, but not my hope. Aasraa gave me a home, an education, and a path. Today, I’m studying Hotel Management and training to become a chef. I’ve found purpose and passion."
Despite being selected for the prestigious HCL Tech Bee program, Mohan's dream is to become a renowned chef and build a career in Hotel Management. He completed a certificate course in Hotel Management at Aasraa’s skills center - SkillAbility.
He is currently pursuing Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management, B.Sc. (HM). He is not only learning new skills that will help him in his career. participated in the prestigious Young Minds program by IHM Lucknow, where he gained firsthand experience in hospitality during the Mahakumbh event, organized by the India Tourism Development Corporation. Though he faced some initial challenges, the experience proved to be incredibly rewarding, offering him valuable insights into the functioning of large-scale projects.
Once again, thank you donors for making these stories of change, possible!
Links:
By Shalini | Communications
By Rajeshwari | Communication Associate
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