Gift of HOPE for Nepal
50 years ago, I remember waiting the days, when the Nepal Junior Red Cross gave out a “Small GiftBox” from the USA. Every April, I waited for that day, to receive this Small Gift Box, containing two pencils, erasers and few candies. That was, what I most wanted in the world.
“A Special Gift Box from America”
Now, when I visit Nepal, I reach into my backpack, and hand students a pen, a pencil or a notebook, and I see a wave of endless possibilities washed for these students. Seeing their smiles and bright eyes provides me with a sense of happiness. I see the profound power and promise that a small gift such as a pencil, a pen or a notebook can generate. That is our ASHA project- A Promise of Hope. ASHA means HOPE in Nepali language. It is amazing how a small word can represent so much. Providing Asha means, that is our purpose. To provide hope in all aspects of life, by supporting programs managed by the people of Nepal for the people of Nepal.
Guided by our Three Pillars: RAYS OF HOPE, LEGACY OF HOPE and HOMES OF HOPE
We support projects that create a promise of hope for the people of Nepal.
Over the last 28 years, we have visited many village schools, distributing thousands of pens and pencils across many districts in Nepal. These gifts, led to powerful partnerships with local parents and children regardless of language differences. Through these discussions and partnerships, it became clear that there was a need for an international non-profit, led on-the-ground by a staff of locals within the country. The effort would require active village participation in each school, and deep support, trained teachers and tracking of the progress of each student to ensure their success. These were the principles and guidelines on which the ASHA Project was founded in April 2015, after the devastating earthquake in Nepal.
Since starting an educational scholarship with a small $500 donation in 1990, we have helped provide more than 4000 scholarships, built computer labs, science labs, libraries, developed clean water projects and provided more than $150,000 worth of micro credit loans in Nepal. Through a grant from the Rotary Foundation and individual donations, we have invested more than $800,000 in Nepal.
In the process, we have learned a lot. We’ve learned that education is a living, breathing entity that with the right nurturing evolves into something spectacular. We’ve learned that the growth process is a challenge but each pencil, each dollar,each supporter makes a difference and is essential. The ASHA Project is now a national movement of passionate individuals, many of whom are the most dynamic and impactful leaders we have ever seen. They are committed to supporting a world with greater educational opportunity for all. Thousands have joined us, making contributions through acts both large and small.
We fundamentally believe that a day will come in our lifetimes when every single child will have access to a quality education, meaningful employment through micro credit loans and a well- managed community. We will continue to work tirelessly in breaking down the restraints of today to enable the possibilities of tomorrow for the children and families of Nepal.
