Help children celebrate growth & learning

by Akshaya Patra NGO in India - Akshaya Patra

Highs and lows are a part of every child’s life. But what we have to let them take away from it is – learning. Learning should be a constant journey that a child embarks upon. As and when children learn new things, they are on the path of development and growth. But, different children are skilled in different things. What is the underlying factor in these children that triggers them to learn and grow?

Studies show that healthy food aids learning abilities.

Healthy food help children in their physical development as well as in their cognitive functioning. A well-balanced diet and adequate sleep determine behaviour, grasping capacity and learning abilities of children.

Food that helps children in their growth and development

Peanuts

Peanuts are superfoods that offer more than 30 important nutrients and vitamins. As children grow, they require healthy sources of proteins and peanuts have the highest protein content amongst all the nuts.

Ragi

Ragi is high in protein and calcium. It is a good source of dietary fibre, vitamins B1, B2 and B6. Any form of Ragi is beneficial, be it sprouted or flour. It helps in the development of bones at a very young age.

Jaggery

Jaggery is a traditional sweetener that has few bioactive compounds that are beneficial for long-term health. In Ayurveda, jaggery is used to boost immunity by combating infections in the long run.

The right amount of nutrition provided to children in their growing days helps in strengthening their body while keeping infections and diseases at bay. Amid the chaos caused by various viruses, it is of utmost importance that children are safe and fit.

To support the health of children studying in Government and Government-assisted schools, The Akshaya Patra Foundation – an NGO in India, began the Happiness Kits Initiative. As a part of this programme, each mid-day meal beneficiary will receive a kit that is packed with nutritious food items, immunity boosters, hygiene kit, and learning materials.

These kits are welcomed with open arms by children who have not been able to go to school and continue their studies. Over 4 lakh Happiness Kits have been distributed in Bengaluru, Jigani, Hyderabad, Thane, Silvassa, Jaipur, Vadodara, Lucknow, Vrindavan, Guwahati, Ballari, Hubballi, Mangalore, Pune, Surat, Bikaner, Udaipur, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Rourkela, Puri, Ahmedabad, Warangal, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Nagpur, Gorakhpur, Cuttack, Bhavnagar and Vizag.

How Jayashree Rane Rathod received her Happiness Kit

Jayashree Rane Rathod is a student of Ayush PMC School, 100. She has immensely missed going to school and having fun with her friends. She says that she looked forward to her daily share of mid-day meals, but COVID-19 has changed the whole definition of school. She thanks Akshaya Patra for providing her with the Happiness Kit. This kit now keeps her occupied with the learning materials.

There are a million more children who await their share of nutrition, hygiene and education. Until the schools reopen, these kits are their best choice; they may be bereft of studies and school life, but they do not have to be left out of their share of nutrition.

Donate to feed a child with your donation towards a Happiness Kit.