Aashray came into existence in 2003 in order to provide a support system for children on the streets in South India and mainstream them back into society by providing counselling, shelter and education. Aashray is an Action Aid-initiated project and comes under the banner name of Balatejassu, which was created in 2001 and now comprises 7 shelters in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

There are a number of NGOs working in Hyderabad for children, but these vary in scope and agenda, and normally place education as the single most priority in enabling a child to develop. Aashray is unique in Hyderabad in placing home repatriation as the Number 1 concern, followed by education as the Number 2 concern. Since 2003, Aashray has interacted with over 700 children on the streets and rehabilitated over 400 children. We have rescued over 30 children from various forms of exploitation, and given medical support to over 100 children.