In further enabling the 32 Asha Schools are run by the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) for specially-abled children across the country, Religare Enterprises Limited (REL), an investment and financial services firm announced that the company will support an additional 5 schools in Agra, Hissar, Mathura, Jalandhar, and Guwahati after helps schools in Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Secunderabad and Udhampur with better infra. Asha Schools are nurturing about 1200 children across various cities in India which includes 500 wards of serving personnel and veterans of the armed forces and 500 children from civil backgrounds.
Through a collaboration initiated between REL and AWWA in December 2022 and April 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed for the upgradation and modernisation of these Asha Schools by REL. Significant infrastructural enhancement has been undertaken by REL in less than a year for Asha School, Delhi for giving it a facelift. Considerable on-ground progress has been achieved in upgrading the schools in other cities as well. Religare also intends to support these schools with the medical and nutritional requirements of the students in addition to provisioning transportation facilities, vocational guidance, and placement and internship assistance.
The successful completion of the first phase of the collaboration that witnessed the modernization of Asha School, Delhi. Replicating the module-based approach implemented at Delhi, REL offers holistic support through various interventions, including the development of the curriculum, infrastructure, and the faculty’s capabilities in other schools as well.
With the objective of making students financially independent, Religare plans for their gradual introduction to corporations by organizing internship and training opportunities. After their training, Religare will also offer employment within Religare Group companies spread over 100 locations in India.
Speaking about the initiative, Mrs Archana Pande, President AWWA said, “We are delighted to announce our long-term collaboration for six Asha Schools to begin with, which we are hopeful to expand to other Asha Schools as well. The progress made in this short period is a testament to the noble intentions of both partners. Asha Schools have been a beacon of hope and a sanctuary of learning for specially-abled children. Our commitment is to provide them with the best-in-class facilities and opportunities, enabling them to realize their potential and make their mark in the society.” She highlighted the achievements of Asha Schools and the endeavours of AWWA and mentioned that the welfare of specially-abled children has always been the key focus area of the organisation.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr Rashmi Saluja, Executive Chairperson, Religare Enterprises Limited said, “We are pleased to be able to support the development of Asha Schools. At Religare, we believe in creating a positive impact on the communities we serve, and we see this initiative as an opportunity to contribute to the Asha schools’ endeavour to empower specially-abled children. The schools mentor and nurture children admirably, allowing them to reach their full potential. By supporting the education and well-being of these children, we hope to create a better future for them and our society. We aim to partner with all Asha Schools by next year.”
