Aasra is a social initiative designed to gender-inclusive spaces in educational institutions in marginalised communities in India. By combining advocacy, original resources, training workshops, and counselling services, Aasra hopes to address the issue from a multitude of angles. In this way, the initiative aims to offer students, teachers, and parents, with the tools they need to support LGBTQ individuals. Outlined below are the various elements of the project.
The Encompassing Inclusion Training Manual is an original 6-part manual tailored specifically for teachers. The resources offer practical tools for communication and lesson planning to ensure that teachers are equipped with a clear understanding of diverse identities, how to support them, and how to create welcoming spaces for all. The Embrace360 Educator Training workshops will then utilise the manual to help teachers learn through hands-on sessions with specialists and experts. In terms of advocacy, the Ask Aasra Podcast will invite educators, experts, and community leaders to discuss pedagogy for inclusive classrooms, and the Safe Haven Children’s Books will offer original story written for young children, which will explore concepts of gender fluidity and queerness through relatable characters and stories. In order to offer direct and meaningful support, Aasra will collaborate with trained professionals to facilitate the Help and Hope Adolescent Counselling Services, which will be funded through the Udaan Initiative, an online fundraiser campaign led by Aasra.
Aasra is guided by the vision of well-equipped classrooms, trained teachers and educators, and robust support systems for young LGBTQ children. Our hope is that these elements will work together to challenge stigma, support children, and equip the adults in their lives.