“It is the goal at Asha House, that every child raised here would grow into educated, social, contributing members of our communities and have healthy, vibrant families of their own. We plan to instill in the children the life skills and morals necessary to be all that they have the potential to be. Our children are not defined by their pasts, but by the incredible lengths they will go, to achieve the future successes that lie ahead of them.”
– Victor and Simini (parents and leaders of the Asha House)
It has struck me during my time here in India that even though the stories and places the children come from are heart wrenching and often times downright horrific, the children here are no different than our children. They have dreams and desires, they laugh and play and even get in trouble, no different than any other children anywhere in the world. The big difference is simply the circumstances that they are in and have come from. As you read these stories, let the truth of their pasts sink in, but also let the reality of their present and hope for their future be what impacts you the most. Pay attention not so much to what makes them different, but rather to what makes them similar to you and I and our children.
Meet the Girls of the Asha House:
Pinky . 14 . wants to become a nurse
Pinky’s father died when she was little. Her mother works in building construction that travels from one place to another as each job is completed. Living in tents with mostly men, prevents her from keeping any children with her. She cannot give them an education nor a home. Her mother brought her three kids to the Asha House 4.5 years ago (her siblings are Martha and Emmanuel). Pinky is the oldest of the girls and as such is expected to be a leader for the girls. She is a hard worker and you will often find her performing her household chores with focus and a smile.
Manisha . 13 . wants to become a teacher
Manisha is one of the rare children here that has both parents living. Her father is a pastor in a very poor tribal area to the north of India and is paid very little for the work he does. Her parents really want her to get an education and chance at life that they cannot provide for her so they sent her to the Asha House. None of her 5 sisters go to school and they work in a farm field. Manisha is a hard worker and as one of the older girls is looked upon to communicate to the other girls and help the little ones.
Savita . 13 . wants to have her own children’s home
Both her parents died when she was very young. Her uncle took her and her two sisters in as he was the only other family member who could. However, as is the case with many of the children in these kind of situations from tribal villages, her uncle did not want to care for her as she was too expensive and he was very poor. A local pastor who knows Victor and Simini, knew about Savita’s situation and brought her to the Asha House 2 years ago. Savita is a sweet young lady and has a big heart. She loves taking care of the younger toddlers and babies.
Esther . 12 . wants to become a teacher
Esther’s father is in jail and her mother died when she was young. She was living with her uncle and her two sisters after her mother died. In India when girls turn 13 they can have an arranged marriage and that expense and expectation weighed heavy on her uncle, so he brought her to the Asha House and relinquished full responsibility. Esther is very quiet but an extremely good worker. You will always see her diligently doing her household chores or taking care of the young babies.
Ranjeet . 13 . wants to become a nurse
Ranjeet has been at the Asha House for 4.5 years. Both her parents are very sick and cannot work. Before coming to Asha, Ranjeet and her 8 siblings where working in the fields each making 15 rupees a day ($.25 cents) to help provide for the family. Ranjeet came to the Asha House with her sister Marry. Ranjeet is full of personality and loves to play. She will often direct games with the other kids during their play time and also loves taking care of the young babies in the home (probably to avoid doing her chores!)
Heena . 10 . wants to become a teacher
Henna’s mother is a sex worker. There is a total of 5 kids in the family and 4 of them now live at the Asha House. Heena’s sister Nazma and brother Shanu came together first, but her mother kept Heena back home to care for the youngest girl Rukshana. However, when Heena was older her father wanted her to join the line (also become a sex worker) to provide for the family. In order to protect Heena, her brought her and her little sister, Rukshana, to the Asha House. Heena is a fun and playful young lady. As the oldest of the 4 siblings at Asha she cares for them and others faithfully.
Martha . 10 . wants to become an artist
Martha’s father died when she was little. Her mother works in building construction that travels from one place to another as each job is completed living in tents. Because of this she cannot keep any children with her. She cannot give them an education nor a home. Her mother brought her three kids to the Asha House 4.5 years ago (her siblings are Pinky and Emmanuel). Martha is also very quiet but has a big smile. You will often see her taking care of the toddlers and babies.
Rinky . 9 . wants to become a doctor
Another one of the few kids who has both parents living. Her father is an evangelist but earns very little money. Rinky has 2 older sisters and one younger brother who has a mental illness. Because of the younger brother’s medical expenses, their parents do not have any money to provide for them and so they sent the girls to different children’s homes to be cared for. Rinky has been at Asha for 4.5 years.
Sandra . 9 . wants to become a police inspector
Sandra lives at the Asha House with her mother, Lincy, who is on staff with Asha House. Her father was killed in a motorcycle accident when Sandra was just 1 year old. Sandra has a magnetic personality that is always ready to start a game and have fun with the other kids. She is so sweet and kind with the other kids who have no parents with them.
Nazma . 10 . wants to become a teacher
Nazma’s mother is a sex worker. Nazma and her brother Shanu were brought to the Asha House 4.5 years ago. Her older sister, Heena, and baby sister, Rukshana, joined her at the Asha House 3.5 years ago. Nazma is a bright and confident young lady. She knows english very well and has excellent grades in school.
Marry . 7 . wants to become a teacher
Marry has been at the Asha House for 4.5 years. Both her parents are very sick and cannot work. Before coming to Asha her 8 siblings where working in the fields each making 15 rupees a day ($.25 cents) to help provide for the family. However since Marry was too young to work she stayed home, often by herself. Marry came to Asha House with her older sister Ranjeet. Marry has a great sense of humor and loves to play. She often would take Ana Sofia from my arms wanting to play with her and show her to everyone else.
Jyoti . 5 . wants to become a teacher
When Jyoti was 6 months old her father took her twin brother and remarried another woman. Her mother was left alone with Jyoti and her older brother. Jyoti’s mother moved in with another man who murdered her. Jyoti’s older brother took her and lived in the streets begging for food for about 3-4 months. Jyoti’s aunt found out about their condition and took them in to her home in a slum. At this point a pastor found out about them and encouraged her Aunt to send Jyoti to the Asha House as she would be cared for there. When Jyoti arrived at the Asha House she began having seizures and blackouts. After testing, they found out she had worms in her brain from eating dirt and mud while living in the streets. She is now on proper medication and through prayer is much better. She still cannot go to school as she needs to be monitored for seizures, but they hope that after this year she will be able to go. Jyoti is a sweet girl. Her eyes, her smile, and her sweet demeanor will inspire and encourage you.
Malathi . 7 . wants to become a nurse
Malathi’s mother was unmarried when she got pregnant with her. Malathi was born in a slum in Delhi. One day her mother left her with a neighbor, but never came back. She had gone off with another man who did not want Malathi. The neighbor after several days called a pastor and he brought Malathi to the Asha House 2 years ago.
Rajeena . 4 . wants to become a doctor
Rajeena’s father died when she was young and her mother works in a convent cooking for nuns. They don’t allow her to have any children with her, so her mother brought her to the Asha House. Her mother comes to visit once a year. Rajeena is very outgoing and gets along with everyone. She does exceptionally well in school and even tutors the other kids her age! She recently broke her arm but after a day or two of resting she was out and about playing with all the kids in her full arm cast!
Saniya . 5 . wants to become a nurse
Saniya’s father left when she was just a baby. When her mother was engaged to remarry another man, she brought Saniya to Asha because she knew that her new husband would not want Saniya and would not be good to her. Her mother hoped she would have a better life and a chance for a better future than what she could give her. She is very quiet but has a sweet smile that melts your heart every time.
Rekha . 6
Both Rekha’s parents died when she was very little. She was living with different relatives before she was found by a local pastor and brought to the Asha House so she could receive proper care. Rekha is very small and quiet with a sweet spirit.
Rukshana . 5
Rukshana is the baby sister of Heena, Nazma, and Shanu. Her mother is a sex worker who knew that if she did not send her children away her husband would use them for “the business” also. She was brought to the Asha House with her older sister Heena 3.5 years ago. Rukshana is playful like her sister Nazma and so sweet like her sister Heena.
Tabitha . 4 . wants to be a doctor
Tabitha was the first baby born in the Asha House. Her mother was in love with a man, but he did not want the baby. She tried to commit suicide by jumping in front of a train, but someone saved her and brought her to a pastor’s house. She also tried to abort Tabitha several times, causing Tabitha to be very sick when she was born. She is now almost 4 and is very healthy and happy. Because she was the first baby at Asha, she is very loved and even a little spoiled!
Mannu . 18 months
After Mannu’s parents divorced, her mother wanted to remarry but her new husband did not want Mannu. She was brought to Asha when she was 8 months old. When she first arrived she remembered her mother well and would not eat and cried all the time. It did not take too long though for her to bond with Sapna, one of the caretakers at Asha. Sapna treats her as her own daughter and Mannu now feels quite at home at the Asha House. She especially loves to eat!
Aksha . 11 months
Aksha came to the Asha House when she was 3 days old. Her mother had tried to abort her many times so Aksah was born very sick and very small. She had skin allergies and lung problems and is still receiving treatments. She is much healthier now and gaining weight little by little. Aksha is super smiley and is now best buds with AnaSofia.
Abigail . 10 months
Abigail’s mother was raped by her own uncle from the time she was very young. When she found she was pregnant by him, she ran away and came to the Asha House. Her mother was so angry about her pregnancy and left as soon as Abigail was born. Baby Abigail, is loved so much at Asha House. She is growing very fat and healthy and while we were there she learned to stand on her own!
Leah . 4 weeks
Leah’s mother was abused and raped, so she did not even want to look at Leah when she was born. Although, her mother attempted to abort her, Leah was born very strong and healthy. She is a quiet baby with a very attentive personality, rare for a baby so young.
Now Meet the Boys of the Asha House:
Brij . 17 . wants to become a worship leader
Brij and his older brother were brought to another children’s home when he was 7 years old by his parents. Both his mother and father were poor and could not provide for them, both his older sisters are sex workers and could not care for them. His mother and father died soon after they left them at the children’s home. During his time at the other children’s home Brij developed a solid relationship with Victor and when Victor and Simini started their own children’s home, Brij went with them. Brij has since suffered some illnesses that have prevented him from going to school and set him back a few grades. However he is now doing much better and is actively involved in the care taking of his younger siblings as well as doing well in school. Brij is a caring and hard working young man. He told me that initially he wanted to pursue computer animation because he knew there was a lot of demand for it and he could make lots of money to help the Asha House. However he feels God has changed his heart and he now wants to pursue his passion with music and become a worship leader. Brij is an exemplary young man and the young boys seem to look up to him and have a lot of respect for him. He’s excited at the possibilities for his life after he finishes high school and is trusting God to provide for the high cost school fees.
Prakash . 14 . wants to become a pastor
Prakash’s parents died when he was very young and a neighbor took him in. While attending a sunday school class in his village, Prakash met a local pastor who asked if he wanted a chance to get educated. Prakash said yes and so was brought to Asha. Prakash is a very quiet but hard working young man. He is often seen helping Victor around the home. He loves to learn and is very helpful with the younger boys.
Sonu . 10 . wants to become a driver
When Sonu was 6, he was found abandoned at a bus stand. A local policeman tried to locate his family but could not find anyone. The police knew of the Asha House and so took him there. When he came they found out from Sonu that his father had killed his mother and he had cigarette burns all over his body. The police came to check up on him a year later and could not believe the Sonu they had left originally had changed so much for the better. They were so impressed that they gave a donation of 3,500 rupees ($70 US dollars) and left. Sonu has been at the Asha House ever since. Sonu loves to work with his hands. You will often find him caring for the landscaping of the Asha House and making sure everything outside is well groomed and taken care of. He is not a fan of studying but loves to work hard so long as it involves his hands. One of the highlight of our regular trips to the Asha House was seeing Sonu’s smiling face open the gate when we got there.
Emmanuel . 9 . wants to become a pastor
Emmanuel’s father died when he was little. His mother works in building construction that travels from one place to another as each job is completed living in tents. Because of this she cannot keep any children with her. She cannot give them an education nor a home. Her mother brought her three kids to the Asha House 4.5 years ago (his siblings are Pinky and Martha). Emmanuel, like his sisters, has a big heart and a big smile. He is one of the oldest boys and works hard taking care of the younger boys.
Suraj . 7 . wants to become a pastor
Soon after Suraj’s mother died, his father abandoned him. He was left to be with grandmother, btu she was too old to care for him. She found out about the Asha House and brought him there. Suraj is very dependable around the house and you will often hear his name called out when someone is in need of help.
Shanu . 7 . wants to become a policeman
Shanu is the brother of Heena, Nazma, and Rukshana. His mother is a sex worker who knew that if she did not send her children away her husband would use them for “the business” also. Shanu was brought to the Asha House with sister Nazma 3.5 years ago. Shanu is a clever little guy with a smirky little grin that always keeps you guessing.
Baghwan . 6 . wants to become a nurse
After his birth mother died, his father remarried a new wife who did not want him since he was not her own child. Baghwan’s grandfather took him in, but found it too difficult to care for him so he brought him to the Asha House. Baghwan is super sweet, but as a little boys are he is also very sneaky.
Harsh . 6 . wants to become a doctor
Harsh came to the Asha House about 1 month ago. Two years ago his father left his family and his 4 other siblings. They lived in a slum in Delhi and his mother wanted to give at least one of her children the opportunity for an education and a chance for a better life than the slums. A pastor knew of the family’s situation and brought Harsh to the Asha House. Harsh is learning to adjust to his new environment. He loves playing games and would often get in front of the other kids as I was taking photos of them. He is full of smiles and laughs!
Sandeep . 4
Sandeep’s mother died a few years back and his father left him with uncle’s family. A pastor found out about Sandeep’s situation and brought him and Millant to the Asha House together 6 months ago. Sandeep is a very quiet but sweet boy. Him nd Millant are often found together hanging out.
Millant . 3
Millan’ts father died in a motorcycle accident when his mother was pregnant with him. His mother died while giving birth to him. He was left with his aunt to care for him. However, when she married she left him as her husband did not want to keep Millant. A pastor found out about his situation and brought both him and his friend Sandeep to the Asha House 6 months ago. Millant is the youngest of the boys. He has a special place in my heart. His always stoic face is etched in my heart and mind reminding me of the reality of where these kids come from and how much love they need.
I just wanted to say how glad I am to have seen these photos. My sister recommended your work to me, as I am about to leave for a very similar trip. I am going to India in a few days to take photos for an organization called NICCE. The organization builds Christian schools in North India, so we are going to Manipur to see the completion of their first school! Anyway, I love these photos and they serve as inspiration for me as I embark upon this trip.
Thanks!
Joey
Hi Joey, That is so great that you are doing that for the organization. We loved our time there and you will find the people and the country to be so colorful and full of life. Send me a link to your photos as I would love to check them out! Thanks for checking out our work. All the best and safe travels! – andres
I have been to Asha House and loove these kids! I look at this post to help remember their names/faces and stories. Thank you for posting this and your care for these children. These are precious photos! They have grown so much since these were taken, too! Oh my heart 🙂
Hi Kari, thanks so much for your comment and for loving on these kids. I’m sure they are much bigger and different than last year when we saw them! Hope to see them again soon.