About

The Rayon of Aasha charity

Let’s give Indian children the chance to go to school just like everyone else!

Children in school

Volunteers

Classes

In India, millions of girls do not have access to schooling, not because of a lack of ability, but because of deep-rooted inequalities. In some families, priority is given to boys’ education, whilst girls are expected to carry out domestic chores or work.

Some information and figures

What does ‘Rayon of Aasha’ mean ?

Three words, three languages, a single message of hope: in French: Rayon, in English: of, and in Hindi: Aasha (which means ‘hope’).

Rayon of Aasha, a ray of hope that transcends language and brings hearts together.

Why don’t girls go to school?

The number of girls not attending school in India is greater than the entire population of Switzerland. Although schooling is compulsory in India for all children aged between 6 and 14, there is a wide gap between the intention expressed in the law and the reality.

In the Indian culture, and particularly in disadvantaged families, parents often prioritise the education of boys, [neglecting their daughters]

At what age do children start school in Pune?

Before the age of 6, some children may attend pre-primary school (kindergarten/anganwadi) from the ages of 3 to 5, depending on the facilities available and their families’ financial possibilities.

In slums, however, children may start school later or attend irregularly, due to poverty, child labour or a lack of official documents.

How can you support us?

You can make a donation, sponsor a child for 365 CHF a year (1 CHF a day), take part in our events or join our team of volunteers. All committee members work on a voluntary basis.

Where do the funds raised go?

The funds are used to cover school fees, school supplies, meals and, in the long term, the construction of a sustainable school in Pune.

India and Pune

India is the world’s most populated country

Pune is a major industrial city with a population of around 7.6 million, which is almost equivalent to the population of Switzerland.

Despite its dynamism, Pune faces significant social challenges, with numerous slums and poverty that remains very widespread.

The history of the association

1990 Agnell

Born in a slum, Agnell grew up in an orphanage where he received a good education. However, life there is difficult for all the children, especially for little girls: ‘If a little girl grows up surrounded by criticism, she learns to judge. If a little girl grows up surrounded by praise, she learns to appreciate. If a little girl is surrounded by encouragement, she learns to have self-confidence. What she receives, she gives back to society” (Agnell)

2018/2019 The meeting

“I was born on the right side of the world, where girls are lucky enough to go to school.” (Catherine). Deeply touched by what she discovered on her first trip to India, Catherine, an art teacher, met Agnell, who, thanks to his determination, had become a sports student. This future teacher shared his dearest wish with her: to set up a school for girls.

2020/2021 Covid

In April 2020, Indian schools closed for 18 months due to Covid, and Agnell found himself out of work. With the help of Catherine’s cousin, Agnell was given the opportunity to come and work in Switzerland. Discovering a different education system, it reinforced the project. Catherine, Agnell and their friends are building a bridge between Switzerland and India, where Agnell will eventually return.

2022 Between India and Switzerland

Two organisations are set up: Rayon of Aasha in Switzerland and its sister organisation in India. In Pune, Agnell has to persuade parents in the slums to send their daughters to school and find suitable premises for the project. In Switzerland, Catherine and her group of friends have the mission of raising awareness and raising funds.

2023 The class

Our first class opens: eight children set off for school. Much to the chairwoman’s dismay – she had wanted to name it "Michelle Obama", the school will be called "St Katherine’s": ‘There is still a long way to go in changing attitudes’ (Catherine)

Our projects

In India, millions of young girls are still denied an education and opportunities, trapped in a cycle of poverty. At Rayon of Aasha, we believe that every girl deserves to learn, to dream and to build her own future.

Our mission: to provide access to education for disadvantaged girls, whilst also supporting single mothers and their children. By supporting us, you are helping to create schools and programmes that change lives.

Join us. Every little bit helps to brighten their future.

Make a donation

Volunteers and sponsors

Join us. Every little bit helps to brighten their future.

Support us See the sponsors

The committee

Membre Fondatrice / présidente

Catherine Bonvin Pfammatter

Artiste peintre et enseignante en arts visuels et travaux manuels à l’école primaire depuis plus de 35 ans, je suis sensible aux injustices et à la condition des femmes depuis mon adolescence.

Membre Fondatrice / secrétaire

Nadjeda Di Filippo

Touchée par la situation des jeunes filles à Pune, elle a décidé de s'engager dans l'association pour leur offrir de meilleures perspectives d'avenir. Son parcours reflète une volonté sincère d'aider et de contribuer à un futur plus prometteur.

Membre Fondatrice

Martine Stettler

Juriste de formation aujourd’hui retraitée, je souhaite mettre mon expérience au service de l’éducation des fillettes défavorisées en Inde. Parce qu’une éducation peut transformer une vie, chaque fillette accompagnée représente un avenir qui s’ouvre.

Membre Fondatrice

Véronique Bressoud

Après une carrière d’engagement pour l’accueil extra-familial à la journée en tant que cheffe de service de l’Enfance au sein d’une Ville valaisanne, j‘ai décidé de continuer ma mission en effectuant du bénévolat.

Trésorier

Pierre Morel

Mari, père et grand-père engagé, je crois que la force des relations humaines rend possible les plus beaux projets, d’où mon engagement pour Rayon Of Aasha.