New Delhi, (ANI): Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Ms. Julia Gillard today visited the ASHA Community Health and Development Society and presented a cheque of INR 300,000 (AUD 7,500).

The ASHA Society works with 300,000 people in 50 slum colonies located in Delhi. The funding presented by the Deputy Prime Minister will provide secondary school books to children advancing from primary to secondary education.

"This financial contribution will enable students in the Ekta Vihar, Kanak Durga, Hanuman Camp and Dr Ambedkar Basti colonies in Delhi to get a better chance in life through education," the Deputy Prime Minister said. "The population of these areas is approximately 12,500 persons, and a large number of children will benefit directly from the books funded by this contribution" Ms Gillard added.

Australia has previously funded the ASHA Community Health and Development Society through the Australian High Commission's Direct Aid Program, most recently in 2007-08 for the purchase of medical equipment for five slum colonies.

Ms Gillard said "As Australia's Minister for both Education and Social Inclusion, I am committed to promoting the causes of women and children. I endorse the work of organisations such as ASHA in bringing positive long term benefits to the lives of the people serviced by them in Delhi."

--- ANI