New Delhi, November 3, 2023: Religare Enterprises Limited (REL) and Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) have announced their commitment towards the welfare of specially-abled children through the modernisation and holistic development of Asha Schools in New Delhi and other cities. A total of 32 Asha Schools are run by AWWA across the country to nurture the potential of specially-abled children. These schools are taking care of 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. Furthermore, Religare announced that the company will support an additional 5 schools in Agra, Hissar, Mathura, Jalandhar, and Guwahati.
Through the 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 Asha Schools by REL in New Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Secunderabad, and Udhampur. Infrastructural enhancement has been undertaken by REL this year for Asha School, Delhi. On-ground progress has been achieved in upgrading schools in other cities as well.
This announcement comes after the completion of the first phase of the collaboration that witnessed the modernization of Asha School, Delhi. Replicating the module-based approach implemented in Delhi, REL offers support through various interventions, including the development of the curriculum, infrastructure, and the faculty’s capabilities in other schools 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.
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, 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 society.”
Speaking about the initiative, Dr Rashmi Saluja, Executive Chairperson, REL 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.”
