Donate on ganesh chaturthi

 Akshaya Patra runs the Mid-Day Meal Programme for school children. This Ganesh Chaturthi, make an online donation and help us make a difference by continuing to serve children.

Know more: https://www.akshayapatra.org/donate-on-ganesh-chaturthi

The Significance of Girl Child Education and Mid-Day Meals

 In the diverse tapestry of India, where traditions intermingle with progress, the importance of girl education stands as a beacon of hope and progress. The nation's path to prosperity depends heavily on the inclusion and empowerment of its female population. While India has made substantial strides in education, gender disparities persist, making the role of NGOs and initiatives like the PM POSHAN Programme (earlier called the Mid-Day Meal Scheme) crucial. This article explores the pivotal significance of girl education in India, the impactful role played by NGOs and the transformative influence of the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan on girl children and their education.

The Current Landscape of Girl Child Education in India

Despite notable advancements in multiple sectors, India continues to grapple with disparities in access to education, predominantly along gender lines. Several factors contribute to this persistent inequality, encompassing cultural norms, economic constraints and deeply ingrained societal biases. Consequently, many girls across India confront formidable obstacles on their path to acquiring quality education.

Statistics reveal the stark reality of gender-based disparities in education:

• The National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) data indicates that nearly 27% of Indian girls between the ages of 15 and 18 are not in school.

• The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2020 found that the gender gap in reading and math proficiency among children aged 14-18 is evident, with girls facing a significant disadvantage.

The Significance of Girl Child Education

The importance of girl education is multifaceted and has far-reaching implications for India's socio-economic development:

Economic Empowerment: Educated girls are more likely to secure gainful employment and contribute to their families' income, reducing the cycle of poverty.

Health and Well-being: Educated girls tend to make informed decisions about their health and family planning, leading to better maternal and child health outcomes.

Empowerment: Education equips girls with knowledge and confidence, enabling them to participate actively in their communities and advocate for their rights.

Reduced Child Marriage: Educated girls are less likely to be married off at a young age, fostering their personal and professional growth.

The Role of NGOs in Promoting Girl Education

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play a pivotal role in advancing girl education in India. These organisations support government’s welfare programmes like the school feeding programme, anganwadi feeding, etc. These NGOs address root causes, eliminate barriers and champion the importance of educating girls. Through a spectrum of initiatives, charities contribute significantly to bridging the gender gap in education:

• Scholarships and Financial Support: Many NGOs provide scholarships that cover tuition fees, textbooks, uniforms and other essential school supplies, ensuring that girls have the resources needed to attend school regularly.

• Infrastructure Development: NGOs often collaborate with schools to improve infrastructure, build classrooms and establish safe and girl-friendly learning environments. These efforts create inclusive spaces where girls feel welcomed and encouraged to pursue their education.

• Community Awareness: NGOs engage in community outreach to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding girl education, encouraging parents and communities to support.

• Skill Development: Several NGOs focus on enhancing girls' life skills, making them more resilient and self-reliant.

• Mentorship Programmes: Some organisations provide mentorship programmes that connect girls with successful women in various fields, offering inspiration and guidance.

The Transformative Power of Mid-Day Meals 

One of India's most impactful initiatives, the MDM Scheme, has been instrumental in promoting girl education and alleviating the challenges faced by underprivileged children. The PM POSHAN Abhiyaan is implemented by many charities in India and one of the trusted organisation – The Akshaya Patra Foundation, has been feeding meals since 2000. It provides hot and nutritious meals to 2 million school-going children across 67 locations of the country. 

Its impact on girl children and their education is remarkable:

Increased Enrolment: The PM POSHAN Programme serves as a powerful incentive for parents to send their daughters to school. By providing a daily meal, it eases the financial burden on families and ensures that more girls attend school regularly.

Improved Nutrition: Malnutrition is a huge impediment to learning. The scheme addresses this issue by providing nutritious meals, enhancing the cognitive development of girls, enabling better focus on studies and improving academic performance.

Enhanced Concentration: Adequate nutrition helps children concentrate better in class, leading to increased attendance, participation and overall learning outcomes.

Gender Equality: By addressing the nutritional needs of girls, the MDM Scheme actively contributes to reducing gender-based disparities in education, fostering an environment of equality.

Social Inclusion: The shared experience of having meals together in school promotes social inclusion and breaks down barriers related to caste and class. It encourages girls from marginalised backgrounds to attend school, promoting a sense of belonging and unity.

As of 2021, the female literacy rate in India had improved, standing at 77.8%, according to the National Statistical Office (NSO).

The Economic Survey of India 2020-21 emphasised that girls' enrolment in elementary education has increased significantly, contributing to gender parity.

Girl education is not just a societal aspiration; it is a strategic imperative for India's holistic development. NGOs, alongside government programmes such as the PM POSHAN Programme, are playing pivotal roles in ensuring that every girl has access to quality education. It is the duty of the  society, individuals and organisations to recognise the transformative potential of educating girls and to support these initiatives through charitable donations.

Donate to a charity by investing in girl education. By doing so, you secure India’s future, nurture empowered leaders and contribute to the creation of a prosperous, inclusive and equitable society. The journey towards this goal necessitates collective action and a resolute commitment to bridging the gender gap in education, ultimately advancing the nation towards a brighter, more equal future.

The role of mid-day meals in nurturing a healthy world

 

The article discusses the importance of the Mid-Day Meal Programme in addressing hunger and malnutrition among school children, helping them to attain their full potential and making the world a better place to live.

Know more: https://www.akshayapatra.org/ 

The role of mid-day meals in nurturing a healthy world

 'Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow'- Jawaharlal Nehru

As the first Prime Minister of India said, childhood is the budding stage and thus requires utmost care and attention during this age. It is the pivotal period for physical, mental and cognitive development. So, when a child is born, parents do everything for their overall well-being. They give them everything they need for a better future. However, there are families who unable to provide nutritional meal to their children on a regular basis due to their financial constraints. Should the children of such parents be left behind due to their difficult circumstances? A big No! 

Here lies the importance of implementing the Mid-Day Meal Programme in schools. 

Mid-Day Meal Programme (MDM) - A source of nutrition

Mid-Day Meal Programme (PM POSHAN Abhiyaan) is a crucial initiative put forward by the Government of India to address classroom hunger and malnutrition among children in government and government-aided schools. If children don’t have adequate nutrient-rich food, it may cause long-term consequences in their life like stunting, wasting, etc. 

Through this programme, the government ensures that all children, regardless of their financial and family backgrounds, are receiving a wholesome meal at least once a day, thus, improving their academic performance. 

How MDM improves academic performance?

Studies have proved that children who receive mid-day meals have a better attention span which helps them to concentrate on their classes and perform well in their academics. Without sufficient nutrition, they will not get the energy to focus on their learning effectively. 

Mid-day meal encourages children to go to school as they are receiving hot, tasty, nutritious, lunch in their school thus increasing enrolment, attendance and retention rate, along with enhancing their nutritional status.

MDM supports girls’ education and health

The study of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) finds that girls are more vulnerable to undernutrition than boys.  The report says, 59.1% of adolescent girls are anaemic because, during the adolescent stage, girls are at the onset of menstruation. This is a crucial time in their life, and so, any nutritional deficiencies might have an adverse impact on the health of the girl, ultimately affecting the future of the country in general. MDM promotes girls’ education and their health as it motivates parents to send their children to school, irrespective of their gender. 

If girls can continue their education, it helps them to pursue their career goals, ultimately they can be the productive citizens in India.

Role of NGOs in MDM

NGOs play a crucial role in serving the beneficiaries of the MDM. Akshaya Patra is an NGO for children, currently feeding 2 million children every day across schools in 15 states and 2 union territories in India. 

With the support of the government, corporates, philanthropists, individuals, and well-wishers, the organisation has made noteworthy contributions in the implementation of the programme and is consistently seeking every possible avenue to reach out to more children in India. The organisation’s mission is to feed 3 million children by 2025.

Literacy Rates in Alliance with School Feeding in India

 India, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, has long recognised the importance of education as a catalyst for social and economic progress. Thanks to government initiatives like the school feeding programme, school enrolments, retention and learning outcomes have significantly improved across schools in the country (Source: State Survey of School Meal Programs: India 2020 by Global Child Nutrition Foundation). 

Consequently, the growth in India’s literacy rate has also accelerated since the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (now called the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan) was started in 2001. Today, it stands at 74.04%, with Kerala being the most literate state (92.2%), followed by union territory Lakshadweep (91.85%) and Mizoram (91.33%). 

When India won independence in 1947, four out of five of its citizens could not read. Today, three out of five Indians can read and write. While the male literacy rate in India stands at 84.7%, the female literacy rate has also grown over the years. As per the World Bank India report, about 9% of girls were literate when India gained independence, which has jumped to 77% today.

The steady improvement in the literacy rate over the years is a positive sign in our collective pursuit of 100% literacy. It is important that we identify the contributing factors and enhance them as per the need.

Role of school feeding programmes in improving literacy rates

Many impoverished families struggle to meet their basic food needs. Thus, some NGOs run dedicated programmes or help execute existing government initiatives like the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan to ensure proper nutrition for children from low-income families and guarantee its multifaceted impact on literacy.

A regular supply of free school meals incentivises parents to send their children to schools consistently. It relieves them from the burden and motivates them to prioritise their children’s education over compelling them to support the family. Consequently, more children attend school regularly, leading to improved literacy rates.

Furthermore, mid-day meals address nutritional deficiencies in children and directly impact their ability to focus and engage in the learning process. Well-nourished children are more likely to be receptive to lessons and active in co-curricular activities. As a result, better learning outcomes translate to higher literacy rates.

School meals foster a conducive environment for learning. During the lunch break, children interact with one another, promoting social skills, teamwork and a sense of belonging. It generates an inclusive space where students from diverse backgrounds thrive academically as well as personally.

NGOs also leverage school meals as an avenue for education on nutrition, hygiene and healthy habits. Through interactive sessions and awareness drives, they educate students about the importance of balanced diets, personal hygiene and sanitation practices. The knowledge strikes a ripple of positive change, as children become mediators, advocating for healthier lifestyles within their families and communities.

In conclusion

The fast growth in literacy rates in India in the decades after independence, even in the face of a remarkable rise in its population, indicates a positive trend. School feeding programmes have played a vital role in pushing up the numbers by bringing children to school, helping them focus, enhancing their cognitive abilities and improving their overall health.  

NGOs are constantly at work through well-rounded research and collaboration with stakeholders to effectively implement these programmes and help transform the country’s educational landscape in pursuit of a brighter future. As responsible citizens, we can help speed up progress by supporting them through a humble contribution right from where we reside. 

Consider supporting PM POSHAN Abhiyaan for a future with equal access to nutrition, education and other necessities for all. By donating or volunteering with registered NGOs, you can become a part of the solution and bring lasting impact on millions of lives.

This Father's day, Feed the Children. Be a star in their life.

 Mothers are often called the epitome of love and care. If so, then fathers can be called the epitome of subtleties. Though they have the same feelings for their children, fathers are not expressive as mothers are. Still, the father notices even the subtle things a child needs. From holding hands while being in a crowded place to replacing a dysfunctional bulb in a room, a father eyes everything. It may be because of this subtle approach that fatherhood is not praised as much as it deserves.

How did we start celebrating Father’s Day?

Every year, we celebrate Father's Day on the third Sunday in June to honour the love, care, and protection that fathers have given to their children. The idea of celebrating Father’s Day was put forward by a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, who was raised by a widower after losing her mother while giving birth to their sixth child. On a Mother’s Day, while listening to a sermon in a church where everyone was cherishing the memories of their mothers, her mind was filled with the thoughts of her father and all the things he had done for her and her siblings. She decided that fathers should also have a day to celebrate and honour their contributions to a child’s development. As a result of Sonora’s efforts, the first Father’s Day was celebrated on 19 June 1910, in Spokane, Washington. 

However, it didn’t gain much popularity then due to the lack of support from men. They viewed it as an attempt to lessen the manliness by domesticating men with gifts and flowers. It took several years for the official recognition of the Father’s Day.

A father plays a major role in raising a stable, healthy, and happy family. We often overlook the sacrifices and hard work our fathers do for giving us a good quality life. Father’s Day is an opportunity to thank them for all the sweat they shed for us and to appreciate the love they are giving us abundantly. 

Some ideas for celebrating Father’s Day.

• Make a card for your father 

Love expressed in written words can have profound effect on human beings. Prepare a card for your father that expresses your love for him.

• Prepare your father’s favourite dish

Surprise your father by preparing his favourite meal and enjoy it together. Having food together can strengthen the bond of human relationships.

• Plan a family trip according to your budget.

In this busy world with full of distractions, going for a trip together can help us stay connected with loved ones. Going for a trip will create an ambience to enjoy a special moment with your father.

• Donate to any NGO like Akshaya Patra

Celebrate this Father’s Day with an act of kindness, like donating to NGOs. This gives you a kind of satisfaction and encourages you to view life from a broader perspective. Donating to NGOs will give us a feeling of gratitude for everyone and everything that we have in our life.

Akshaya Patra is an NGO in India that aims to put an end to classroom hunger by implementing the PM Poshan Abhiyaan (Mid-Day Meal Programme) in government and government-aided schools. As part of its vision to ensure that no child is denied their right to education due to hunger, the organisation keeps an uncompromising commitment to provide nutrient-rich meals to the children throughout their academic year. 

Malnutrition is a serious threat that harms the budding youth. Children from financially challenging backgrounds are especially prone to this issue. No one can find solution to this issue alone. Join hands with NGOs like Akshaya Patra and support their effort to put an end to classroom hunger. 

Just as fathers work for the well-being of their children, we can act together for the upbringing of a healthy and educated India. Let this Father’s Day be a wonderful opportunity to spread the spirit of love and kindness to our fellow beings.

Nourishing children with meals as they come #BackToSchool

 Every corridor and classroom missed the giggles and chatter of children during the summer break. With the holidays coming to end, children are ready for a new start towards a better future. However, there are children in India who come from backgrounds with limited opportunities. To support these children and ensure their return to school is memorable, several NGOs run #BackToSchool campaigns that help in the overall development of children and raise awareness against hunger and work towards achieving the UN Sustainable Goal of ‘Zero Hunger’.

Akshaya Patra organises a comprehensive Back to School campaign to make sure that every child has access to mid-day meals every school day and that no child is denied their right to an education because of their socioeconomic circumstances, family history or any other reason. This campaign aims to increase understanding of and support for midday meals, which are essential for ensuring that children from challenging backgrounds continue their education.

Education breeds a better tomorrow

The cornerstone of a child's future wellbeing is education. Education opens up many options for children to live better lives. It has the potential to influence society as a whole. An individual can assist the nation's growth and advancement at a quicker rate if they have the proper education. 

Schools are gateways to education. Since most children still don't know what they want to accomplish with their lives, school helps them learn about themselves and the outside world. 

The PM POSHAN Abhiyaan is a scheme that helps children from challenging backgrounds come to school every day and continue their education, enabling them to strive for a better tomorrow. 

PM POSHAN Abhiyaan: How it motivates children to come #backtoschool

The Government of India’s PM POSHAN Abhiyaan strives to enhance children's nutritional profiles through wholesome mid-day meals every school day. Earlier known as the Mid-Day Meal Programme, this scheme plays a major role in bringing children back to school. There are many children who struggle to have one nutritious meal every day because of their family’s financial limitations. So, Mid-Day Meal (MDM) acts as an incentive that encourages parents to send their children to school.

This account below will explain the significance of PM POSHAN Abhiyaan in helping children return to school. Bhagya Heeraiah Hiremath is a Class 7 student of GHPS Rajeevgandhinagar at Dharwad in Karnataka. She is a beneficiary of the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan implemented by The Akshaya Patra Foundation.

NGOs in India constantly strive to provide the best resources to underprivileged children and help them pursue their education and dreams. Your contribution to NGOs like Akshaya Patra will enable children with another year of learning and healthy school meals.