Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu · A public charitable trust since 1986
We live for others
1986
the year the trust was founded
About ASA Trust
Introduction to ASA
The Activists for Social Alternatives (ASA) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation registered as a public charitable trust, founded in 1986 with a noble effort to work together on a people-centric model for the development of women’s empowerment, poverty eradication, community development, political and cultural awareness, and the social welfare of people below the poverty line.
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Income-generating self-employment promoted in rural sectors for women members.
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Computer literacy camps, skill development and alternate schooling for rural children.
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Health education, health camps and eye camps for the rural poor.
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Annadhanam: a regular free noon meal scheme for the poor and deprived.
Our journey
Our journey since 1986
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1986
ASA is founded
Registered as a non-profit, non-governmental organisation and public charitable trust, on a people-centric model for women’s empowerment and poverty eradication.
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1996
Child labour eradication begins
Established with state government support under the Child Remediation Act. The first child labour school started in Trichy, later expanding to four schools.
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2000
Vidiyal school opens
Vidiyal Matriculation Higher Secondary School starts at Valandau Kaikatti with a mere twenty-six students, providing integrated holistic formation to rural children.
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2010
Silver Jubilee
ASA celebrated its Silver Jubilee in April 2010, having spread across a large sector of society through social mobilisation, campaigns and networking.
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2025
Across 32 districts
Skill development programmes cover all thirty-two districts of Tamil Nadu, with 840 students and 99 staff at Vidiyal school.
Where the work goes
Programme areas of the trust
The objectives and major programmes the trust works to.
Education
Vidiyal Matriculation Higher Secondary School
Subsidised tuition fees, free noon meals, hostel, transport, indoor and outdoor stadium, and a meditation hall.
Skills
Market linkage and skill development
Brand labels and flex sheets so members sell without middlemen, plus entrepreneurship training in finance, marketing and accounting.
Health
Health education, health camps and eye camps
Health awareness training for women members and their families, and camps for the rural poor.
Annadhanam
Annadhava Koodam
A regular free noon meal scheme for the destitute, poor and elderly, and in hospitals and orphanages.
Reported figures
School strength, and cumulative reach of the camps and programmes.
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School, 2000
0
students when Vidiyal school opened
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School, 2025
0
students, L.K.G to Class XII
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Computer camps
0
children benefited across 357 camps
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Skill programmes
0
youth across 155 programmes
