Home/Programs

Three programs. Twenty-seven years.

We do a small number of things, and we have done them, without break, since 1998. Here is what actually happens on campus, every day.

/ Children housed83
/ Programs03
/ Years running27.
since 1998
01 Adoption & Home

We take in the children no one else will.

AshaJyothi was born to save abandoned children. Food, shelter, medical care and dignity, offered without condition to children abandoned or orphaned with severe disabilities — usually at a very young age, by parents who could not cope.

  • Abandoned childrenLeft at orphanages or simply left.
  • Orphaned childrenNo surviving family to take them.
  • Severe disabilityThe children others turned away.
  • No age capFrom infancy to young adulthood.
Program 01 · Adoption83 children in care today
24/7
02 Rehabilitation

Therapy, schooling and vocation — on campus.

With Neurogen Mumbai we deliver advanced treatment for cerebral palsy and intellectual disability. Volunteers from Ireland and Germany return year after year with physiotherapy. We have an in-house facility for physio and 24/7 nursing support.

  • Medical campsMonthly, on campus, with specialist referrals.
  • Neurogen treatmentAdvanced therapy for severe cases.
  • Yoga & physioDaily routine, in-house facility.
  • SchoolingOn-site classes adapted per child.
  • Vocational trainingTailoring, embroidery, IT basics.
  • Aids & appliancesWheelchairs, hearing aids, walkers.
Program 02 · Rehab5 ongoing rehab streams
since 2016
03 PARI & Dignity

Menstrual hygiene. Sanitation. Dignity for girls.

Since 2016 the PARI unit has distributed sanitary pads, installed proper toilets and water, and provided gendered accommodation. We hold half-saree celebrations for the girls and we lead local relief work during floods and during Covid.

  • Pads distributionMonthly supply — PARI unit.
  • Toilets & waterProper, private, on-campus.
  • Gendered housingSeparate, dignified, safe.
  • Half-saree celebrationsTraditional milestones for the girls.
  • Relief operationsFlood, cyclone, Covid response.
  • Health camps for womenLocal outreach beyond campus.
Program 03 · PARIEvery girl on campus served
A day on campus/ 04

What actually happens, hour by hour.

This is the regular weekday rhythm. Saturdays add medical camps. Sundays are quieter.

06:00 · Morning

Wake, wash, breakfast.

Carers help children who can't dress, wash or feed themselves. Hot breakfast for everyone in the dining hall.

08:00 · School

Adapted classroom hours.

On-site teachers run small groups by ability. Reading, writing, basic math, art — pitched to each child.

10:30 · Physio

Daily physiotherapy.

Cerebral palsy and physically challenged children receive stretching, mobility and strength work in the in-house facility.

12:30 · Lunch

Hot meal · annadanam.

Daily food often sponsored by Chicago Andhra Association. Nutritionally planned around children's medical needs.

14:00 · Vocational

Tailoring & skills training.

Older girls learn sewing, embroidery, basic IT — skills meant to give them income beyond AshaJyothi.

16:30 · Yoga & play

Movement & outdoors.

Yoga where bodies allow it. Verandah, courtyard play and group games for everyone else.

19:00 · Dinner

Evening meal together.

Family-style dining. Carers eat with the children. Quiet time, music sometimes.

22:00 · Night

24/7 nursing on duty.

Children with serious conditions are checked through the night. Anyone can be moved to the medical bay at any hour.

Who lives here/ 05

The conditions our children live with.

Five conditions account for almost every child at AshaJyothi.

i.
Cerebral Palsy

A non-progressive disorder caused by brain damage around birth. Severity ranges from mild physical to severe with intellectual involvement and seizures.

→ ii.
Autism

Impaired social interaction, verbal & non-verbal communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviour.

→ iii.
Intellectual Disability

Difficulty with self-care, communication, social skills, academics. Mild to profound.

→ iv.
Down Syndrome

A genetic condition from an extra copy of chromosome 21. Delayed growth, affected cognitive function.

→ v.
Physically Challenged

Polio, accidents, neurological conditions that limit basic movement and independence.

→

Every child you see is here because someone gave.

Sponsor a child · $70/mo → Buy one specific thing →