Non-governmental organisations, generally referred to as NGOs are organisations or groups of like-minded people working towards a common goal i.e. making this world a better place. The work of NGOs ranges from human rights to animal rights, child development to skill development, safeguarding environment to the well-being of lives; implying that a plethora of factors contributes to the overall upliftment of the society. Here, I will keep the focus on child development and see how The Akshaya Patra Foundation - an Indian NGO for children is making a difference and how can you contribute to their efforts.
Akshaya Patra has been in the service of children since 2000. The NGO provides nutritious school meals to children of government and government-aided schools every day. With the vision, ‘No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger’, the Foundation strives to serve ‘unlimited food for education’ to support health and schooling of children. Akshaya Patra operates in a Public-Private Partnership model thus working in partnership with the Central Government of India, State Governments and philanthropic donors – Corporates and Individuals. Presently, Akshaya Patra is nourishing more than 1.7 million children across 12 states of India with the plans of benefitting more children by expanding its operational reach to more locations.
Why should you support Akshaya Patra?
It is reported that the largest section of India’s population is under the age of 25, of which 39% are children aged between 0 and 18 years; implying that if we do not want to embrace a future that will have generations of dependent and unskilled population, then we need to take care of them now. We must act up to provide food, education, proper care, and avenues to develop skills for this 39%.
Studies indicate that the mid-day meal has significantly increased school attendance and enrolment, decreased drop-out rate, improved health, as well as enhanced socialisation among children. So, when you support Akshaya Patra you are contributing towards the development of children in particular, and progress of the nation in general. The below testimonials of teachers from Akshaya Patra’s beneficiary schools further explains the need to support school meals of children:
• Ismail Malik, Principal, Antti Kumar Prathamik Shala, Padra Taluk, Vadodara, Gujarat said, "The mid-day meal has brought a tremendous decline in the student drop-out rate. In the primary school, the increase in attendance is nearly as high as 60% to 70%. The numerous awards that now decorate the school office are a testimony to this."
• G. Ranganath, Head Master, Government High School, Policy Colony, Karnataka said, "The government, by partnering with organisations like Akshaya Patra have ensured that children receive tasty and nutritious meals. The programme has been successful in reducing child labour and improving school enrolment and attendance."
• Jai Pinto, Physical Education Teacher, St. Aloysius School, Cleveland Town, Bengaluru said, "The school's association with Akshaya Patra has been very fulfilling. Children are happy with the wholesome nutritious meals provided. There are fewer dropouts from the marginalised section of the society and I have seen a significant improvement in the enthusiasm levels of children.”
How can you support Akshaya Patra?
The Foundation acknowledges that every support it has received has contributed significantly in its operational expansion thereby helping to increase its beneficiary base. Thus, it provides an active platform for you to be a part of the Foundation’s efforts. You can choose to:
• Become an NGO volunteer;
• Sponsor meals of children;
• Sponsor kitchen equipment;
• Create a fundraising campaign;
• Make a donation in honour of someone;
• Be an online mascot;
• Be a CSR partner;
• Celebrate special occasions with the organisation; or
• Participate in the campaigns and events organised by the NGO.
In conclusion, we must understand that the efforts of government and NGOs will fructify only when we all contribute to it. So, let us not just discuss issues, instead, step out and act to create a change!
Akshaya Patra has been in the service of children since 2000. The NGO provides nutritious school meals to children of government and government-aided schools every day. With the vision, ‘No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger’, the Foundation strives to serve ‘unlimited food for education’ to support health and schooling of children. Akshaya Patra operates in a Public-Private Partnership model thus working in partnership with the Central Government of India, State Governments and philanthropic donors – Corporates and Individuals. Presently, Akshaya Patra is nourishing more than 1.7 million children across 12 states of India with the plans of benefitting more children by expanding its operational reach to more locations.
Why should you support Akshaya Patra?
It is reported that the largest section of India’s population is under the age of 25, of which 39% are children aged between 0 and 18 years; implying that if we do not want to embrace a future that will have generations of dependent and unskilled population, then we need to take care of them now. We must act up to provide food, education, proper care, and avenues to develop skills for this 39%.
Studies indicate that the mid-day meal has significantly increased school attendance and enrolment, decreased drop-out rate, improved health, as well as enhanced socialisation among children. So, when you support Akshaya Patra you are contributing towards the development of children in particular, and progress of the nation in general. The below testimonials of teachers from Akshaya Patra’s beneficiary schools further explains the need to support school meals of children:
• Ismail Malik, Principal, Antti Kumar Prathamik Shala, Padra Taluk, Vadodara, Gujarat said, "The mid-day meal has brought a tremendous decline in the student drop-out rate. In the primary school, the increase in attendance is nearly as high as 60% to 70%. The numerous awards that now decorate the school office are a testimony to this."
• G. Ranganath, Head Master, Government High School, Policy Colony, Karnataka said, "The government, by partnering with organisations like Akshaya Patra have ensured that children receive tasty and nutritious meals. The programme has been successful in reducing child labour and improving school enrolment and attendance."
• Jai Pinto, Physical Education Teacher, St. Aloysius School, Cleveland Town, Bengaluru said, "The school's association with Akshaya Patra has been very fulfilling. Children are happy with the wholesome nutritious meals provided. There are fewer dropouts from the marginalised section of the society and I have seen a significant improvement in the enthusiasm levels of children.”
How can you support Akshaya Patra?
The Foundation acknowledges that every support it has received has contributed significantly in its operational expansion thereby helping to increase its beneficiary base. Thus, it provides an active platform for you to be a part of the Foundation’s efforts. You can choose to:
• Become an NGO volunteer;
• Sponsor meals of children;
• Sponsor kitchen equipment;
• Create a fundraising campaign;
• Make a donation in honour of someone;
• Be an online mascot;
• Be a CSR partner;
• Celebrate special occasions with the organisation; or
• Participate in the campaigns and events organised by the NGO.
In conclusion, we must understand that the efforts of government and NGOs will fructify only when we all contribute to it. So, let us not just discuss issues, instead, step out and act to create a change!
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