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Monthly donors provide lifesaving emergency care delivered every day of the year. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
About Us
About Us
Australian Friends of Asha for Slums is the Australian branch of Asha India, supporting and raising awareness of its long-standing work with communities in slums across India.
Support Our WorkDonations over $2 to the Australian Friends of Asha for Slums Overseas Development Gift and Relief Fund are tax deductible
Who We Are
Our Story
Asha India was created by Dr. Kiran Martin in 1988. Over three decades on, the organisation works with people in India who reside in slums, addressing healthcare, education and economic empowerment so that residents can break free from poverty.
Asha works with people residing in slums in India, benefiting more than 700,000 people from over 91 slums. The Australian Friends of Asha raises awareness of this work and channels the support of Australian donors directly to it.
Monthly donors provide lifesaving emergency care delivered every day of the year to children who could die without it.
By The Numbers
Reach Since 1988
700,000+People benefiting
91+Slums worked in
1988Founded by Dr. Kiran Martin
Our Programmes
Healthcare, Education, Empowerment
Asha's programmes are designed to address the issues that keep slum dwellers trapped in poverty — from health centres and emergency care to schooling and livelihoods.
- Healthcare and emergency care delivered every day of the year
- Education support for children in slum communities
- Economic empowerment and livelihoods for residents
Australia
The Australian Friends of Asha
Australian Friends of Asha for Slums is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting the work of Asha India. The branch connects Australian donors, volunteers and community groups with the organisation's programmes in India.
Donations over $2 made to the Australian Friends of Asha for Slums Overseas Development Gift and Relief Fund are tax deductible, so every contribution goes further for the children and families who rely on it.
Australian Friends of Asha for Slums is the Australian branch of Asha India, supporting and raising awareness of its long-standing work with communities living in slums across India. The organisation was founded by Dr. Kiran Martin in 1988, and over three decades on it continues to focus on healthcare, education and economic empowerment, so that residents of informal settlements can break free from poverty and build a more secure future for their families.
Our Australian chapter works alongside volunteers, fundraisers and community groups who share a commitment to giving children the essentials they need to survive. From donated funds and awareness campaigns to events and online discussions about future strategies, supporters find many ways to contribute. Donations made to the Australian Friends of Asha for Slums Overseas Development Gift and Relief Fund are tax deductible, helping sustain long-term programmes on the ground.
Regular supporters and visitors have met the organisation's leadership, including its director, and have seen first-hand how funds are directed toward community-led projects in healthcare, schooling and livelihoods. The story of Asha India is one of partnership rather than short-term relief: local teams identify the needs of each settlement, and Australian friends help supply the resources, equipment and training needed to respond. It is a relationship built on patience, respect and steady, practical support.
Milestones
Selected Moments
- 1988Dr. Kiran Martin creates Asha India, beginning work with communities in slums across India.
- 14 November 2015Supporters celebrate Diwali in Melbourne, sponsored by the Asian Exec.
- 12 November 2018Dr. Kiran visits the Australian High Commission and meets High Commissioner Harinder Sidhu.
- November 2018Bendigo and Adelaide Bank staff celebrate Diwali and fundraise for Asha.
- 4 February 2019Robert Johanson, Chairman of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited and AFOA, visits the Chanderpuri slum community.
- 30 May 2019Asha's Internship Programme for 2019 is launched at the Australian High Commission.
- 2019The Global Asha Meet is held at Asha's Mayapuri slum centre with participants from the UK, Northern Ireland, USA and Australia.
Key Details
At A Glance
| Founded | 1988, by Dr. Kiran Martin |
|---|---|
| Relationship | Australian branch of Asha India |
| Reach | More than 700,000 people across over 91 slums |
| Programmes | Healthcare, education and economic empowerment |
| Tax deductibility | Donations over $2 via the Overseas Development Gift and Relief Fund |
For further reading, see our Board and news stories, or visit Asha India for a closer look at the programmes.
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Read how Asha's healthcare, education and empowerment programmes work across more than 91 slums.
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