Indicorps is pleased to welcome Ahmedabad-based NGO SAATH as a partner in continuing Asmaa, a learning program for street children in Navrangpura, Ahmedabad. Initiated by Indicorps Intern Ajlai Basu, Asmaan is an alternative education program that gives children who have dropped out of or never gone to school an opportunity to develop a foundation in math and language as well as life skills. Asmaa is taught by a group of committed young volunteers, ranging from a current Montessori schoolteacher to participants from Volunteer Ahmedabad’s Service and Leadership Course.

Children come to the Mt. Carmel School (many thanks to the school's leadership for supporting Aasma and engaging students with the schoo), which has opened a classroom for Asmaa’s use, four days a week for two hours a day.  Initially, Asmaa began with Ajlai, ten-fifteen kids, a warm meal and arts and crafts on the sidewalk in front of Indicorps’ Ahmedabad office. Since then, Asmaa has developed a robust curriculum, trained committed volunteer teachers and aims to prepare and integrate students into formal school within eight months.