Back to School aims to provide quality education and nutritious food to every child

Quality education and nutritious food to every child

Like it or not, India is still a country of two classes: the privileged and the not-so-privileged. And, many attempts have been continuously made by government bodies and the civilians to bridge this gap and ensure equality of opportunities and resources. This article will focus on how health and education play a significant role in ensuring equality among residents of the country and why it is important for children to come back to school every academic year.

Undoubtedly, education plays an extremely crucial role in breaking the vicious cycle of poverty-huger-illiteracy. For this, the government initiated the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan with the objective to ensure right to education for all and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme with the objective of providing free school meals to children. Eventually, it was observed that the mid-day meal is a potential intervention in bringing children to school and also aiding them to continue their education. Witnessing the tangible change the Mid-Day Meal Scheme can bring in the education scenario of the country, many NGOs partnered with the government to implement this scheme, one among them being The Akshaya Patra Foundation. This NGO in India is one of the oldest implementors of the scheme with a history of 18 years in the service of children.

Akshaya Patra is currently benefitting 17,62,133 children in more than 15,000 government schools and government-aided schools across 42 location of 12 Indian states. Over the years of service this NGO has conducted several studies in association with third-party research organisations to measure the impact of the mid-day meals. Similar studies have also been conducted by government institutions and the results show improvements in the below parameters:

• Increase in school enrolment
• Increase in regular attendance
• Improved health and fitness among children
• Improved concentration and performance in children
• Reduction in classroom hunger
• Reduction in drop-out rate

Back to school’ campaign by Akshaya Patra

Akshaya Patra is cognisant of the importance of nutrition and education in empowering children to be resourceful flagbearers in the future. Thus, to promote continuity in education, each year Akshaya Patra conducts the ‘Back to School’ campaign. This campaign focuses on garnering support from the mass to bring back all its beneficiaries to school for a fresh academic year. Through this campaign this NGO in India also creates awareness that nutritious mid-day meals incentivise parents to send their children to school instead of sending them to earn for a square meal. The mid-day meals not only quieten the hunger pangs of children but it also gives wings to their dreams because education gives them the confidence to achieve their goals and make their future better and brighter.

Support to ensure health and education for maximum children

Clichéd, it may sound, but the present condition of children defines the future of the nation. And, it is our responsibility to provide proper care to this generation children so that they grow up to be able and resourceful citizens of the country. Support Akshaya Patra’s ‘Back to School’ and be a part of a transformed India.

• Offer instant support by opting to donate for children.
• Multiply your support by creating a fundraising campaign for beneficiaries of Akshaya Patra.
• Share Akshaya Patra’s cause and campaign in your social network.

So, step forward and act now to uphold the right to nutritious food and quality education for millions of children.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an Ngo in India providing food for 1.6 million school children across 12 States and 28 locations.