Empowering
Generations,
Building Futures.
"Bringing hope through education to underprivileged children in India."
Maharashtra: Vishwa Mandal Sevashram
Vishwa Mandal Sevashram
Dhule, Maharashtra, India | Lead: Sachin Mehta
Vishvamandal Sevashram (VMS) has been educating Adivasi children from the Pawara tribe in the hilly regions of Shirpur Taluka for over 65 years. One of Asha Zurich's longest-running projects (since 2005), it lays a strong educational foundation that prepares young learners for future academic success.
Objective
Comprehensive education and uniforms for 600 students across 23 classes (Grades 1-4). The initiative focuses on active learning to lay the groundwork for future academic pursuits.
CHF 18,698
Project Disbursement
Outcome
Consistent Retention Rate
Strategic Outcomes
-
Preparing for Government School: Focus on equipping children with the knowledge and skills they need to transition smoothly into government schools by the time they reach 5th grade.
-
Dropout Rate: The dropout rate remains consistent year over year and is not increasing, ensuring a strong educational foundation.
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Holistic Support: Asha Zurich funds cover both educational materials and uniforms for 23 active classes.
West Bengal: Sabuj Sangha Initiatives
Nayantara Program
Sundarbans, West Bengal, India | Lead: Pratyush & Olga Das Kanungo
Empowerment through Education, Counseling & Sports
CHF 2,850
Disbursement
Operating in the Sundarbans, Nayantara addresses gender-based violence and discrimination. The creation of 'Kishori Bahini' builds local leadership among girls to fight against child marriage, trafficking, and abuse.
Asha Zurich supports these girls with uniforms, toiletries, stationaries, books, and center honorariums.
Key Outcomes
Excellence in Sports
Excelling at football, building confidence.
Financial Independence
Opened savings accounts.
Entrepreneurship
Selling handmade cards internationally.
Natun Alo (New Light)
Nandakumarpur, West Bengal, India | Lead: Vineet Mohan
Residential School & Rehabilitation
CHF 10,490
Disbursement
Mission
Focusing on a child-labor-free society, Sabuj Sangha provides a residential home for 34 underprivileged boys at Nandakumarpur. They receive age-appropriate education, food, medical support, and teacher salaries funded by Asha Zurich.
Academic Excellence 2025
Chandan Naiya: Passed H.S. Exams with 240 marks.
Shankar & Suman: Passed Madhyamik successfully.
Future Pathways
Senior students are mainstreaming into formal systems, pursuing:
- B.A. in Geography
- Vocational Smartphone Repair
- Primary Teacher's Training
Nabadiganta by Sabuj Sangha
Nandakumarpur, West Bengal, India | Lead: Balakrishnan
Support the coaching centre for 180 students
CHF 15,861
Disbursement
About this project
In an effort to promote child labour free society, Sabuj Sangha started a residential school for the underprivileged children at Nandakumarpur of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The school has accommodation strength of 34 boys. They are provided with age-appropriate education and further mainstreamed into the formal system. Food, learning material including Independent Educational Consultant school uniform, shoes, school bags and other materials are provided along with monthly health check-up by a medical team of the organisation. All needs are taken care of by the authorities round the clock. Currently, Asha Zurich supports these boys with meals, books, toiletries, medical support, hostel fees and salaries of the teachers.
About Sabuj Sangha
Sabuj Sangha is a non-government organisation that originated in the village of Nandakumarpur in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Their work is focused on health and nutrition, education and child protection, livelihood and women, water sanitation and hygiene, environment and disaster response. Their programmes — Nayantara empowers adolescent girl children in rural areas of Sunderbans. Natun Alo focuses on prevention of child labour and rehabilitation of former child labourers. Nabadiganta is an educational support programme run through two centres.
Tamil Nadu: Vishwa Bharti Vidyodaya Trust (VBVT)
Gudalur, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India | Lead: Rajdeep Deb
Teachers Training Programme
Founded in 1993 in the Nilgiri district, Vishwa Bharti Vidyodaya Trust (VBVT) focuses on transforming education for the indigenous Adivasis of the Gudalur valley. Their goal is to grow change-makers from within the communities.
The Goal
18-month Facilitator Training (FTP) preparing adults as teachers/facilitators.
Impact & Outreach
Community Bridge
Adivasi youth serve as para-teachers to support children in mainstream schools.
Custom Materials
Creation of a low-cost repository of context-specific teaching materials.
3,500
Adivasi Children Supported
"Today, all Adivasi children across 320 villages in the region are enrolled in schools."
Project Spotlight
Moushumi Halder
NayantaraMoushumi Halder is a determined and hardworking young student from Narendrapur, a small village in the Mathurapur II block of the Sundarbans. She is currently in Class 12 at Narendrapur Milan Vidyapith and continues to pursue her education with dedication and ambition.
Moushumi comes from a modest family of four. Her father earns the family’s sole income by crafting idols from clay, a livelihood that is seasonal and limited. Despite ongoing financial challenges, her parents remain deeply committed to supporting her education and aspirations, providing constant encouragement and care.
Beyond academics, Moushumi has a strong creative side and a keen interest in art and craft, where she demonstrates notable talent and imagination. She is equally passionate about sports, particularly football. A skilled and disciplined player, she trains regularly to refine her abilities. Recognizing her potential, her parents wholeheartedly support her athletic ambitions, motivating her to pursue her passion despite economic constraints.
"Moushumi dreams of building a career in football and hopes to one day represent her community with pride. Her journey reflects resilience, talent, and the power of family support. With the right guidance and opportunities, she has the potential to excel both academically and in sports, turning her aspirations into reality."
Rakesh Roy
Natun AloRakesh Roy comes from an underprivileged family in Digambarpur village under the Dholahat police station area. Due to severe financial hardship, his education was once on the verge of ending prematurely. At a crucial moment in his childhood, when he was in Class II, he was admitted to the residential school run by Sabuj Sangha — a turning point that transformed his life.
Today, Rakesh is preparing to appear for the 2026 Madhyamik Examination, determined to build a better future for himself. Reflecting on his journey, he shares:
“Sabuj Sangha has transformed the direction of my life. It has given me the courage to dream of becoming a self-reliant person in the future. My parents were unable to continue my education because of financial difficulties, but Sabuj Sangha ignited the light of learning within me. I have no words to fully express my gratitude.”
Rakesh’s story is a powerful example of how timely support and access to education can change the course of a child’s life, replacing uncertainty with hope and ambition.
Fundraising Highlights: Zurich Marathon 2025
2025 saw one of the most successful participation with over 50 runners. The funds raised matched educational needs for close to 900 children in India.
CHF 30,648
Total Raised
CHF 3,600
ZIS Matching
Student Chapter
A Big Shoutout to students Priya Soni & Devan Soni for initiating the student chapter at Zurich International School (ZIS).
ZIS Matching
A big shoutout to Zurich International School for encouraging young students by matching their donation of CHF 3,600.
Community Spirit
A big shoutout to Ilango & Friends for raising CHF 3,040 by preparing homemade biriyani. That helped 38 children to school for one year.
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Fundraising Highlights: Bollywood Party 2025
Profiting the educational projects through music and dance. A vibrant evening celebrating community and culture!
March 8, 2025 | GZ Riesbach
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Financial Report
Statement as of 24.01.2026
Income Distribution
Project Disbursements (CHF)
Detailed Financial Statements
Click to view balance sheets, income sources,
and itemized expenses
Detailed Financial Statements
Click to view balance sheets, income sources, and itemized expenses
Balance Sheet (as of 24.01.2026)
| Account | Opening (CHF) | Closing (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| UBS Current | 30,247 | 35,882 |
| UBS Saving | 6,007 | 6,016 |
| UBS Marathon | 14,908 | 22,756 |
| US Account* | 29,193 | 1,307 |
| Cashbox | 1,379 | 863 |
| Total Assets | 81,734 | 66,824 |
Project Disbursements
| Project | 2025 (CHF) | 2024 (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Naba Diganta | 15,861 | 2,919 |
| Natun Aalo | 10,490 | 5,838 |
| Nayantara | 2,850 | 3,367 |
| Vishwa Bharti Vidyodaya Trust (VBVT) | 1,270 | 2,938 |
| VMS (Maharashtra) | 18,698 | 15,206 |
| Total Disbursement | 49,169 | 30,268 |
Income Statement 2026
| Source | Amount (CHF) |
|---|---|
| Bank Interest | 38 |
| Bollywood Blast | 4,857 |
| Charity As Your Hobby (CAYH) | 6,019 |
| Onetime Donations | 1,911 |
| UK Giving Foundation | 1,404 |
| Festive Giving 2025 | 1,552 |
| Marathon (Raising Day) | 30,648 |
| ZIS Fund Raisers | 788 |
| Total Income | 47,217 |
Expenses Statement 2026
| Category | Amount (CHF) |
|---|---|
| Hall Rent | 191 |
| Insurance | 263 |
| Payrexx / Stripe Processing | 948 |
| Website | 36 |
| Bank Service & Return Charges | 526 |
| Bollywood Blast (Direct Cost) | 2,579 |
| Marathon Logistics (2025/2026) | 8,256 |
| Holi Event 2024 | 160 |
| Total Expenses | 12,959 |
The Team
The people behind Asha Zurich
Committee
Veena Vijayan
President & Editor
Rajesh Vardarajan
Webmaster & Treasurer
Pratyush Das Kanungo
Publicity-in-charge
Project Co-ordinators
Sachin Mehta
Project Co-ordinator
Rajdeep Deb
Project Co-ordinator
Vineet Mohan
Project Co-ordinator
Balakrishnan
Project Co-ordinator
Pratyush Das Kanungo
Project Co-ordinator
Olga Das Kanungo
Project Co-ordinator
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Help manage our social media support or web presence.
Student Chapters
Hold a fundraiser event similar to the ZIS student initiative.
CAYH Program
Support us through 'Charity as your Hobby' periodical donations.