Back at Asha

Back at Asha HQ this morning (23Feb), with a plan to visit the slum next door (Ektar Vihar) with Raneesh, (Loan Officer for Asha, to look at some of the businesses Asha has arranged Loans for through the Micro Finance Scheme they have set up) and Dick, Julie and Rani (some of you will know Rani), who were to visit the womens group.  As we enter the slum a large group of young men collect together and “invite” us to leave, with much shouting, pushing, chanting and yelling, pushing Julie, Dick and Rani backwards.  Raneesh and I are just behind and see all this happen.   We all decide to gracefully depart, and are followed to the entrance, with the shouting continuing.  No harm done, and whilst a little frightening, there appeared no intent to hurt anybody.  Rani later explained that this was local Slum Politics, possibly reflecting the impact Asha has been having.  Very sad, the Womens Group were in the Community Centre awaiting their arrival.  Asha has been working in this slum for 20+ years and the Slum Lord can be a changeable character, approving or disapproving of Asha apparently as the mood takes him.  Please pray for him.

This event leads to Julie, Nigel, Rani and Raneesh visiting another slum at short notice, where we are introduced to several individuals who have been granted loans to start or expand their businesses, and also to individuals being supported at private schools and University.   These were gathered together on our arrival to come to the Community Centre serving the Slum to meet with us.    These businesses include two Beauty Salons, Three General Stores, Costume Jewellery and Sarees (Yes, Julie did buy another one, and I bought one for Sue!), and also providing a Loan for a Goods Carrier (large Auto Rickshaw), and a Loan for a motorbike for a main earner to travel independently around Delhi, combining a correspondence course with evening work, to earn money for the family.  We then walked round the slum and visited the businesses they operate.  Pictures to follow!

All very interesting and positive, a testament to their hard work and desire to improve their living standards.

Had long chat with Raneesh, they have a very robust and effective process for agreeing loans.  Discussed all this with Kiran later in the day, who would like a written evaluation of the scheme with recommendations for improvement, summarising our discussion.  A really positive outcome.   Part of this should also be to see what the Banks think, so I asked Kiran later in the day if we could meet with one of the Banks whilst we are here.  Kiran has a strong network!  A meeting was immediately arranged with a senior Marketing Manager based in the HO of Punjab National Bank tomorrow (24th) afternoon at Asha HQ.  Kiran tells us he is very much in favour of the scheme so it should be a very positive meeting.  PNB is one of the largest Banks in India.

Sue has had a great time today observing teaching English as a Foreign Language, more to follow. 

Went out looking for a meal, deja vue, went to Pizza Hut, and for change then next door to Costa Coffee!  As one for whom rich Indian Food has shown itself very recently to be a new concept to the parts that make themselves felt, this was very welcome!