Role of NGOs in rural areas

by Akshaya Patra NGO in India - Akshaya Patra

In rural areas, development is a relatively slow process. It not only requires economic development but growth on the social front and quality of life as well. To achieve this, collaborative efforts of the Governments, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), various departments and agencies are required. NGOs are committed to their cause and earnestly work to serve the public and the whole community.

What is the role of NGOs in India?

For a long time, social service has been an integral part of Indian culture. Around the year 1960, it became evident that it was not sufficient for government programmes to be announced. To implement development in rural areas at grass root levels, there was a requirement of local groups who would work closely with the village community.

The major role of NGOs:

· Role of protection of victims of disaster

· Role of prevention from people being vulnerable

· Role of promotion to increase opportunities

· Role of transformation to bring about drastic changes.

Over the years, state policies favoured the formation of non-profit organisations which resulted in an increase in the role of NGOs. These organisations later became the facilitators of education and development. One sector that needed an immediate transformation was the education sector. The Government initiated the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in India as an intervention to empower children’s education. Many Indian NGOs came forward to support this initiative. One such NGO is The Akshaya Patra Foundation that feeds school meals to children coming from challenging socio-economic backgrounds. In rural areas where geographical terrains are bad and building of large kitchen infrastructures are difficult, Akshaya Patra has set up decentralised kitchens where the operations are carried out manually by the local population of the vicinity. These kitchens are usually run by women self-help groups with enormous importance given to hygiene and quality.

Decentralised kitchens are set up in the local schools of two locations – one in Nayagarh (Odisha) and another one in Baran (Rajasthan). A kitchen is set up in school premises where all the operations are carried out under the supervision of Akshaya Patra’s Supervisors and Quality Officers. Along with providing mid-day meals, this Indian NGO provides employment opportunities to women. The Baran kitchen and Nayagarh kitchen serve meals to 161 schools and 319 schools respectively.

Where people are denied even the basic amenities of life, in such places as Baran and Nayagarh, Akshaya Patra reaches out to feed the needy children with nutritious meals that help them gain overall development. The process carried out in rural areas with a community-centric approach:

STORAGE - Akshaya Patra supplies weekly provisions to schools in rural areas. The dry ingredients are stored in a separate store room which can be used every day based on the menu.

CLEANING - Rice grains are cleaned and sorted manually before every use. Every vegetable that is to be used for the day is cleaned thoroughly.

FOOD HANDLING – Cooks who also double up as Helpers are provided with safety gear. They are trained in food handling and hygiene practices. Individuals are assigned for the cutting of vegetables, peeling of vegetable skins, preparation of spice powders, etc.

COOKING – All the chopped vegetables, spices and salt are added into huge boiling pots that cook up healthy and tasty school meals.

Children all line up meticulously for their share of meals. After consuming school meals every day, children can focus better in their classroom and take part in co-curricular activities. Mid-day meals also become the reason why children come to school daily because for many, eating even one decent square meal a day is difficult.

On the whole, decentralised kitchens located in rural areas feed 8,894 in Baran and 17,536 children in Nayagarh. However, there are many more children who yet need meals for adequate development. You can help Akshaya Patra reach out to a million more children in rural areas and help them with basic nutritional requirements. Show your support towards the betterment of children’s health with your donation.