The mid-day meal scheme of the Indian Government is one the most extensive meal programs in schools. This meal program has impacted the education scenario in the country concerning enrolment, attendance, and completion of school education. The objective is to provide nutritious meals to children in Government and Government-aided schools to improve health and learning outcomes. Hence, more than 400 NGOs are currently implementing this scheme in their capacities. As a philanthropist working in such an organization called the Annamrita Foundation, I will share an inspiring story of a little girl hailing from a small village known as Mahul, Maharashtra, to help you understand how mid-day meals in schools are changing lives.
"I am destined to achieve great things." These were words of determination from Kavita, a 12-year-old beneficiary of the mid-day meal project studying in standard VI.
For a child, she is fearless at heart, but that stems from the hardships she has faced in her life. In her words, “ I come from a dysfunctional family. Growing up, I have seen my mother in misery and my father running away from his responsibilities. He is a raging alcoholic and does not pay for our necessities. He wanted to give me up for marriage. I used to be scared. I was a timid girl, but now no more.”
After suffering silently for many years, she knew where to ask for help. She continues, “ Gita madam is dear to me. She is our principal. Where I stand today is all because of her. She gave me the courage and confidence to face my fears. She spoke to my parents and made them change their minds about marriage. She even told them she would arrange for my scholarship so I could continue higher education. I am destined to achieve great things. She sees good potential in me, and I want to make her proud.”
Talking about her aspirations, Kavita says, “ I never want any children to face what I had to in my family. Everyone needs a guide to inspire them to do good. That is why I want to become a teacher like Gita madam to guide children and mould them into better human beings.”
Her story made me feel empathetic, but I am happy to see her brimming with self-confidence now and all set to turn dreams into reality. I am glad she received support from her teachers to take a firm stand against social evils like child marriage. For Kavita, school is her getaway place where she finds peace away from home. The mid-day meal in school is her energy booster. She relishes the meals with her friends (and her all-time favorite is khichdi). Thus, school is a place Kavita looks forward to every morning, not just for education but for support and nutritious meals.
Therefore, the impact of the mid-day meal scheme is overarching. It is the key reason for bringing children from challenging backgrounds to school. Once at school, they get the opportunity to learn, eat nutritious meals and give wings to their ambitions. Kavita is just one story of hope and determination among millions. While supporting the mid-day meal project, Annamrita Foundation wants to serve as many children as possible. Over the past 18 years, with the help of your support and selfless acts of charity, we are now distributing 12 lakhs+ mid-day meals daily across 21 different cities, helping millions of school-going children stay healthy and focus on education. We believe the recipe for nourishment begins with food, so we quantify the meals as per the nutritional requirements of school-age children nationwide (and comply with the hygiene standards controlled under FSMS guidelines). So what are you waiting for? Step in today to sponsor mid-day meals in schools by instantly contributing through online donations to create an empowered future generation by enabling children to achieve their ambitions.
