AASHA

Seven years ago, AASHA was just an idea. Last Thursday we celebrated how far that idea has come.

What started small has grown into a global community of volunteers, partners, and an incredible team here in Sri Lanka who believe in the power of meaningful travel and real impact.

We marked AASHA’s 7th birthday the best way we know how — food, games, laughter, cake, and a house full of people who make this place what it is.

To every volunteer, partner, supporter, and team member who has been part of the journey over the years — thank you. AASHA exists because of you.

Happy Birthday to us 🎂 🥳 💕🙏

Hands-on for sea turtles 🌊✨️

As part of our Sea Turtle Conservation Project, volunteers regularly clean turtles under care and maintain the egg hatchery. This includes removing old sand, clearing unhatched or damaged eggs and refilling it with fresh sand.

These routine tasks help ensure safe conditions for future hatchlings and support responsible, long-term conservation 🌎💛

Beginning the week with smiles from our Kindergarten Project 🌎🙌🏻❤️

Every day here is a reminder that the smallest moments create the biggest impact! ✨️

🐶 Weekly Hydrotherapy at the Beach 🌊

In our Dog Care Project, which supports 500+ disabled dogs, hydrotherapy is an important part of enrichment and rehabilitation, helping them gain mobility and confidence 🐾

This remids us that life is about courage, joy, and embracing every moment 💛

Wishing you all a happy and relaxing weekend! 🌎✨️

Learning can be fun and empowering! 🎭 🌎

Conducted by our Healthcare electives, our Children Teaching Project students at AASHA Community Center joined a fun and interactive session where they learned about handwashing, brushing, and daily hygiene habits. With practical demonstrations, fun dramas, and hands-on activities, the kids explored healthy routines in an engaging way. 🎯

Teaching these habits early helps build awareness, confidence, and life-long care for themselves and their communities 💛✨️

Volunteers in action for World Wetlands Day!✨️

In recognition of World Wetlands Day (2nd February), our Conservation Project volunteers rolled up their sleeves and planted 150 mangrove saplings, including replacements to strengthen existing growth and support a healthier coastal ecosystem. 🌱

Together, caring hands make a difference. Long-term commitment today means stronger wetlands for tomorrow. 🌎💚

Some precious moments from our Kindergarten Project this week 🫶🏻 Learning sessions, play time, and a few wholesome chaos moments in between 🙂🖍️
Nice to see progress in the small things!! 🌱✨

Building bridges through inclusive education and community healthcare 🤝

At a vocational and educational centre for differently abled students, our healthcare elective participants joined an interactive session focused on learning, connection, and shared experiences✨️🫶🏻

Community-based engagement helps future healthcare professionals understand real-world needs while creating meaningful moments for the communities we work alongside 🙌🏻✌🏻🙏🏻

BBQ night at AASHA 🍗 🎶💃
Good food, loud laughs, full hearts 💖
Happy weekend, everyone!! 🥳

Happy 78th Independence Day, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
Grateful to spend the day with our volunteers, continuing work that brings care, compassion, and purpose to our community 🙏🏻✨️

🌱 Planting resilience, restoring coastlines

Last week, our conservation project volunteers joined a mangrove restoration activity at Koggala Lake, Kuruluduwa Island, where 105 mangrove saplings were planted to support this sensitive wetland ecosystem.

Mangroves are natural protectors. They reduce coastal erosion, improve water quality, store carbon, and provide safe breeding grounds for fish and other wildlife. As these 105 plants grow, they will help strengthen the lake's ecosystem and increase resilience for both nature and nearby communities❤️

Restoration is long-term work. Actions like this may start small, but over time they create lasting environmental impact-protecting ecosystems today while safeguarding the future 🌎✨️

Turtle Talk at Midigama Maha Vidyalaya ✨️

This week, our Sea Turtle Conservation Project volunteers visited Midigama Maha Vidyalaya to run an interactive session with the students. They learned about the importance of sea turtles, the challenges these species face, and simple ways they can help protect them 🌎

With the school located near key nesting and feeding sites, awareness at an early age is essential. Seeing students engage, ask questions, and share ideas reminded us how small actions today can create lasting change for marine life and coastal ecosystems.

Together, education and action can help protect these incredible creatures for generations to come ❤️