How right food matters for studies during exam?

It would not be wrong to say that exam fear has been in trend since time immemorial, and surprisingly it has remained unchanged! Doesn’t matter how brilliant a student is, exam time injects the fear in one and all. Even after attending motivational speeches, listening to loads of advice, and sitting through presentations on how to tackle exam tension, each and every child undergoes some degree of mental stress resulting in nervousness, blackout, panic, palpitation, and mood swings. Often times these changes also lead to eating disorder during exams. Some children may reduce their food intake, whereas others may consume twice or thrice their regular diet. Though unintentionally, but dietary change further disturbs the bodily equilibrium. So, it becomes imperative to maintain a good diet during exams, no matter how tensed the child is. Just like how the charity for children, The Akshaya Patra Foundation maintains the nutrition level in all their meals, no matter what is the menu and which location it is being served at.

Being cognizant of the core role of NGOs in the mid-day meal sector, Akshaya Patra ensures that through its school lunch programme it meets the main objectives of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, i.e.:

• avoid classroom hunger
• increase school enrolment
• increase school attendance
• improve socialisation among castes
• address malnutrition
• empower women through employment

This charity for children understands the importance of right nutritional balance for the proper growth and development of children. Over the 17 years of serving mid-day meals, the NGO has also witnessed the positive impact of a well-balanced diet on the level of concentration, health, and activeness among children. Hence, a meticulous and detailed menu is designed by including variety of items in the meal menu while adhering to the nutritional and dietary norms stated by the Central Mid-Day Meal Scheme. In addition, each kitchen of Akshaya Patra complies with standard operational processes and maintains utmost cleanliness and hygiene while preparing and delivering cooked meals.

Not just with regards to mid-day meal, but meals at home must be well-balanced too. Here are some quick tips about healthy eating during exams:
• Smart snack at regular intervals – Instead of forcing down food during three big meals, it is wise to take breaks for small meals at regular intervals. Children must snack smartly by including items such as fruits, toast spread with peanut butter, vegetable sandwich, fresh juice, etc.
• Choose real instead of supplementary – Dietary supplements may sound convenient and good, but real food is always better. Hence, peeling an orange for Vitamin C is more beneficial than opening a pill case. Eating fresh fruits and salad vegetables will provide children with all the required nutrients like iron, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, protein, calcium, beta-carotene, antioxidants, fibre, and much more.
• Drink water – It is very important to keep the body hydrated else it may lead to fatigue and lack of ability to focus. Hence, drinking lots of water and fluid intake such as fresh juices, and milk becomes a must.

As a process of self-evaluation, Akshaya Patra at regular intervals conducts impact studies in partnership with third-party evaluators. These impact studies also bring to fore the important role of NGOs and the impact they are creating in general along with Akshaya Patra’s contribution in particular. In one such study conducted by Sigma Research and Consulting Pvt. Ltd. titled as ‘Assessment of mid-day meal programme in 8 states 2014’ states that the mid-day meals provided by Akshaya Patra fulfilled the recommended nutritional requirements while also being healthy and hygienic.

Well, as the exam begins in private schools so it begins in government schools too. And, interestingly the intention of students in both private and government schools is the same – to score good marks and come out in flying colours. Hence, support the cause of Akshaya Patra because by contributing towards mid-day meal you will indirectly donate for education in India too. So, contribute today and help children to receive adequate nutrition for this exam season and beyond.

Are we prepared to lead our country towards positive development?

In the Budget 2016, the total allocation to the ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) was ₹17,408 crore. This included ₹413 crore for funding the National Nutrition Mission, which addresses the maternal and child malnutrition issues.

At present, the government looks after pregnant women in the high-burden districts of India, these districts are defined by their backwardness and their lack of basic facilities. But, the new scheme will be for all families living below the poverty line across the country.

This will ensure that children across the country have equal chances for a healthy growth through access to good and nutritious food.

The Indian demography

India's population that stands over 1.25 billion is expected to become the world's most populous country, overtaking China by 2022. A good percentage of the Indian population, though, does not have access to all the resources are expected to live a very happy and healthy life in the near future. However, currently, the impact of this lack of resources is acutely experienced by the most vulnerable section of the society, the children.

The school lunch provided by The Akshaya Patra Foundation has ensured that no child is deprived of their basic need for nutritious food. Feeding the children is one of chief aims of the Foundation. The main aim is to free a child from the shackles of hunger and help them focus in classroom. A child need not to worry
about a meal.

Power of a full stomach

While a child may be deprived of the required nutrition, it is not just the physical development that would be affected, but also the mental development. A lack of adequate nutrition could affect the intellectual growth because of the less number of micro-nutrients that are necessary for the mental development.

Hence, ensuring adequate nutrition in the food is important not just for an individual, but also for the country as a whole. That is because today's young children are the future of the country. Hence, it's extremely important to feed the children and ensuring they don't have to worry about food, they will be able to focus on their studies alone. And, mentally healthy children would grow up to be healthy adults and for a country to have healthy citizens, this is imperative.

Future Focus

The future is about knowledge economies. To establish a country as a knowledge economy, it's necessary that its citizens are knowledgeable and mentally healthy.

In the knowledge economy, it’s about the intellectual prowess of the citizens of a nation that will define its success. By using the collective intellect of the citizens, India will be able to stand up and grow up to be a rich nation by being able to develop on all fronts.

Akshaya Patra, which plays a role in the intellectual development of the country, is a channel for anyone to contribute towards charity for children who are in need. This will provide you a path to directly play a role in ensuring a bright future for the country.

NGOs Can Make Education Better By Introducing Innovative Teaching Methods

Innovative teaching methodologies are the spirit of the times we live in. Be it private institutions, or the government-funded education system, there have been concerted efforts to make teaching as relevant as possible so that they meet the needs of the day.

Brain research has shown that certain methods and approaches can indeed enhance the learning process. By applying innovative learning and engaging techniques to classes is a win-win for both students and teachers.

Finding new and innovative methods of teaching is a crucial skill for high school teachers and The Akshaya Patra Foundation is supportive of innovations in education. Apart from different teaching methods, nutritious food also plays an important role in helping children absorb lessons. Over 1.6 million children across 12 states of India are benefitting from the school lunch programme.

Any efforts making education enjoyable for children should not be considered as charity for children. It’s a necessity and it’s the duty of the current generation.

Generational need

The children of today have shown they are capable of doing more than what the school needs them to. It is hence an opportunity for innovations rather than merely speeding up with the syllabus and this might not bear fruit.

Students are now being encouraged to express their opinions and are taught using mediums they are comfortable with. Rather than being stuck to their chairs, teachers are now nurturing tomorrow's leaders, rather than mere robots.

The transition is not going to be easy as education is a state subject and hence each state has to do more with less. However, this is not a suitable model for educational institutes, especially today when students are more dependent on technology.

But for advancements to be introduced successfully, stronger incentives need to be given.

Different Measures

One of the ways these two concepts can come together is through the Bond Measure. It is a method that creates innovative learning environments by re-thinking school designs. The ideas can provide students a thriving and fertile ground for their own ideas by providing them flexible spaces that can support a range of learning styles.

Such environments can foster learning and offer students choices on the type of education they prefer. This is in concurrence to what is called an Opportunity Culture, and it is different from traditional modes of education and school structures. This concept uses age and job redesign and technology suitable for the young minds.

The successful teachers are educationists who ensure enough progress each year to close the achievement gaps and who allowed their students to make significant progress.

Besides increasing the reach of influential instructors, this innovative culture also opens new channels of learning for the teachers themselves. Here there’s a Role of NGOs in ensuring that the new methods of teaching and learning are accessible even to the economically-challenged sections and is not restricted to the upper echelons of the society.

Most of the jobs that result from the Opportunity Culture are team-based and they also provide teachers school daytime planning and associations they need on a priority basis. In addition, this teaching culture can result in massive cost savings, which can go to paying excellent teachers the amount they are worth.

In the new methods of teaching, teachers can become leaders in the classroom rather than just instructors while leading multi-classroom teams and aiding students in developing their individual skills.

This, in turn, can motivate them to go above and beyond the call of duty to aid their students in becoming the best version of themselves, a concept that is the complete opposite of what traditional and arcane education represented.

Along with innovative teaching methodologies, pledge to feed the children with wholesome meal. Also enjoy tax exemptions. Donate today.

What is Value-based Education Programme?

Imagine a classroom of students learning the importance of love, peace, respect and other values. Now imagine a classroom looking into their textbooks to understand Newton’s Prism Experiment and moving on to the next subject. If you look at the larger picture – by combining both of these – you will be able to imagine a classroom full of students who are not only learning enthusiasts but also leaders of the future who will be able to spread love and kindness.

Embedding moral values in a student’s daily life brings happiness in school as well as at home. Building relationships through these values becomes easy. Often, students begin to learn values at home and then carry it to their work atmosphere. However, if we have to teach the students, it is the teachers who must be trained first. Many organisations including UNESCO, ACTS and others, have created training material that highlights the importance of value education and how it can be developed as part of syllabus.

What are the values?

According to the framework created by NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training), values are defined as something that ‘regulate and guide human behaviour and action in our day to daily life.’

We would like to highlight 3 values that are important for every child:

1. Peace

One of the main values is creating peace amongst us. When we build peace within our environment, there is a greater opportunity to foster other values as well because all other values are rooted in peace. Akshaya Patra, a charity for children, supports peace by providing access to healthy food. Lack of food may cause insecurity and therefore, contribute to a hostile environment. By providing food with help from charity fundraising, Akshaya Patra promotes peace. 

2. Trust

Believing in someone does not come easy. For you trust someone, that person must have built this value through actions and words. Similarly, for someone to trust you, your actions and words must speak. This value, unfortunately, is most difficult when tried to inculcate among the elders. 

3. Respect

How often have we heard or said ‘Give respect and take respect’? Maybe it’s a line that never gets old but the message it has will always stay strong. Respect is a universal human value towards not just our race but to nature, planet and everything that surrounds us.

The NCERT report says, ‘If we try noticing what a person does in spare time when he or she is not being coaxed or threatened to do a particular activity, we may get some ideas about what he/she values.’ Let’s bring value education into the classroom and fill the student’s mind with values – values that will help protect the planet, values that will help in spreading joy and values that will help in respecting the elders.

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Akshaya Patra is an NGO that provides mid-day meals to over 1.6 million children every day. You can sponsor a child and receive 100% tax exemption as per section 80G of income tax act.

6 Things You Should Know About Akshaya Patra in Hyderabad

“You can’t build a peaceful world on empty stomachs and human misery.” -- Dr. Norman Ernest Borlaug

Did you know that every 10 seconds we lose a child to hunger? Many NGOs are moving in this direction in order to fight off hunger. Akshaya Patra too rose up to the mission of the eradication of hunger at the grass root level. 

Akshaya Patra is a Non-Profit Organisation which runs Mid-Day Meal Programme in government schools and government-aided primary schools for children. The Government of India and various state governments are supporting the organisation to accomplish its goal of feeding millions of children and building a healthy India. Many philanthropic donors have come forward and contributed to this charity for children. The foundation kept its first stone in Bengaluru in the year 2000 and till date it has 25 kitchens across 10 states in India including Telangana. It extended the NGO in Hyderabad by building a centralised kitchen in October 2008. 

Here’s what you need to know about Akshaya Patra in Hyderabad.

1. The first footprints of the NGO in Hyderabad

With the vision “No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger,” Akshaya Patra propelled its branches to 10 states in India including the newly formed 29th state Telangana. It started its centralised kitchen unit in Hyderabad in the year 2008. The Akshaya Patra Kitchen prepares wholesome mid-day meals to government schools and Anganwadi children. 

2. Supplying food to thousands of underfed children

Akshaya Patra in Telangana currently feeds 62,020 children across 463 government schools and 25,768 Anganwadi children every day, through its centralised kitchen in Hyderabad. The NGO has its own 23 custom-made vehicles for the distribution of the mid-day meals to every classroom. Several generous supporters have contributed to Akshaya Patra’s programme of eliminating classroom hunger. It needs more hands to reach out to more children. You may choose to sponsor a child and take responsibility for providing him food and a healthy life. 

3. Inside the Akshaya Patra’s kitchen

The Akshaya Patra’s centralised kitchen in Hyderabad is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery perfected to cook an enormous amount of food for thousands of children at the same time. Though the huge quantity of food is supplied to thousands of classrooms from the single kitchen, the NGO doesn’t compromise with the quality and required nutrition. Feeding the hungry isn’t their only motive; they supply hygienic food containing all the required nutrients to children to ensure a good health. 

4. When a state-wide change began from Hyderabad 

In order to serve its mission of feeding 5 million hungry children by the year 2020, Akshaya Patra started building its kitchen in several states of India including Telangana. The NGO built the state’s first centralised kitchen in Hyderabad and now undertakes this charity for children with support from philanthropic donors along with the support from the state and central government. Hunger hasn’t ended yet but has definitely been thwarted to a great extent and would be rooted out with more support.

5.  Recognition of Akshaya Patra’s work and its kitchen

Several authorities have visited Akshaya Patra's huge centralised kitchen equipped with technologically advanced machinery. Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation commissioner for the state visited the kitchen and appreciated the foundation’s endeavor of supplying cooked food to underfed children. The GHMC commissioner was moved by the dedication and efforts of the foundation towards changing the lives of children. Akshaya Patra is indebted to the state and the central government for their immense support.

6. Helping Hyderabad’s charity for children

Akshaya Patra needs more hands for continuing to work in Hyderabad. You may participate in the great cause and support it. You may choose to donate a little part of your income and take the responsibility of a child. 

Sponsoring a child takes Rs 750 that is used to feed a child throughout the year. Besides, on donating Rs 500 or above to Akshaya Patra, you become eligible for 100% tax exemption.

Follow NGO News and Blogs to Stay Updated on Social Issues

It is often said that if there was social justice, there would be no need for social service. Unfortunately, there is a lot of inequality that disrupts social justice. Lacks of awareness on social issues only add to this situation. That’s why NGOs around the globe keep their donors informed through blogs or news attempting to increase a collective knowledge so more people can come forward.

When we think of charity for children, it connects us with issues related to lack of education and hunger. Here’s why supporting charity keeps you informed about social issues:

Social injustice grabs your attention

Even when you have given charity donation just once, you must have noticed how naturally headlines related to specific issues grab your attention. You find yourself reading NGO news and blogs or devouring social stories that impact several lives. You naturally become a more aware citizen especially towards issues of injustice; you share this concern with colleagues and friends inspiring them to contribute as well, unconsciously creating a community of believers of social justice. Many contributors and donors start their own blogs and make others aware of the most pressing social issues around the world.  Akshaya Patra keeps its readers and donors informed about its Mid-Day Meal Programme in its endeavour of a deeper charity for children.

Human beings are reciprocal by nature. We expect something in return for a favour. NGOs like Akshaya Patra provide tax deductions and non-monetary motivation in exchange for a donation. When you contribute, you trigger an unconscious cycle of kindness because you talk about your contribution and share it with others. This gesture inspires many and creates an impression of you that often comes back in the form of small favours and help when you need them most. Moreover, others see you as someone who is concerned about social issues and they may get encouraged to work towards such causes as well.

You push them for accountability

Of course, when you make a conscious contribution, you want to find out all about what that organisation does. This pushes non-profits to improve their processes, do their job more honestly and engage in better management of resources. Donating to a charity indirectly contributes into a transparent ecosystem of social issues where socially aware donors demand more accountability and NGOs implement systems more efficiently. Pick up any NGO blog and you will read several stories where a positive difference was made. At Akshaya Patra too, we are always excited to share amazing stories of hope with our donors as they contribute in charity for children. We want our donors to know that their contribution wasn’t futile.

Charity for children

At Akshaya Patra, it’s our conscious desire to encourage you to understand our Mid-Day Meal Programme, the children who are benefitted by it, and their stories. Through this, you open up to a whole new world of giving where you are aware of the vital concerns related to children.

Make an aware and conscious choice today. Donate to Akshaya Patra.

10 Things to Know About Akshaya Patra in Karnataka

Currently spread across 10 states in India, The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF), an NGO which runs the world’s largest mid-day meal programme, had humble beginnings in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Here’s how its presence in the state grew and strengthened.

1. Akshaya Patra was launched in Namma Bengaluru, Karnataka, in the year 2000, inspired by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s vow that no one within a 10-mile radius of his centre should go hungry.

2. The organisation had a modest start, serving free, healthy and nutritious mid-day meals to the schoolchildren of five government schools in Bengaluru initially. 

3. The road towards feeding children in the state was a rocky one in the early days. However, support arrived in the form of T.V. Mohandas Pa, former member of the Board of Directors of Infosys and currently, the Chairman of Manipal Global Education Services, who donated the first vehicle for transporting cooked food to schools.

4. By 2004, Akshaya Patra had established itself as a formidable NGO in Karnataka and catered to the mid-day meal needs of children in the cities of Hubballi, Mangaluru and Mysuru. In 2006, this charity for children also had a kitchen in Ballari. 

5. Akshaya Patra prepares its tasty and wholesome mid-day meals in its kitchens in Karnataka, where the staff follows a strict protocol for maintaining hygiene. They wear hair caps, face masks, gloves, gum boots and other protective gear, along with showering daily and washing their hands regularly.

6. Four of Akshaya Patra’s kitchens in Karnataka are International Organization for Standardization –certified (ISO). These kitchens are – the HK Hill kitchen and Vasanthapura kitchen in Bengaluru, along with the ones in Ballari and Hubballi.

7. The Karnataka kitchens of Akshaya Patra are all centralised kitchens that are able to produce up to one million meals. They utilise minimal human intervention, as they are mechanised cooking units.

8. Karnataka has the highest number of Akshaya Patra’s beneficiaries. In Bengaluru, the HK Hill kitchen feeds 92,856 children in 466 schools, while the Vasanthapura kitchen feeds 101,635 children in 534 schools. The Hubballi kitchen cooks mid-day meals for 149,573 children in 789 schools; the Mangaluru kitchen prepares meals for 22,602 children in 147 schools, while the Mysuru kitchen feeds 16,668 schoolchildren in 66 schools. The Ballari kitchen cooks meals for 126,382 children in 534 schools. 

9. Numerous dignitaries have visited Akshaya Patra’s kitchens in Karnataka. These include former Indian President, the late APJ Abdul Kalam; Nobel laureate Muhammed Yunus, musicians Sona Mohapatra and Ram Sampath, among others.

10. Akshaya Patra’s pilot initiative, Giving Every Dream A Chance, where The Foundation makes the dreams of school children come true by organising a month-long mentorship programme for them, was launched in Karnataka.

Akshaya Patra Observes World Hunger Day

Hunger is a complex word for children who are starving.  Majority of the children studying in Government schools go without food during lunch hours. For them, satisfying hunger is the major concern than learning. They are ready to go for work with their parents which will fetch them a meagre income.

World Hunger Day is observed every year on 28^th May. The event celebrates sustainable solutions to end extreme hunger and poverty. Studies show that there are millions of children in India who need to earn their own meal at a tender age. Due to this problem, children are unable to attend school. In such a situation mid-day meal served by Akshaya Patra acts a breather for the children.

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is a Government initiative and under its aegis Akshaya Patra implements the scheme. Understanding that hunger is a hindrance for education and health, the NGO feeds the children with meals rich in nutrients, proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins which are essential for tackling issues of hunger and malnutrition.

Join Akshaya Patra in feeding the hungry children as India is home to the largest number of malnourished children. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) estimates that 48 per cent, or 61 million, under-five children in the country are stunted (they have low height for their age); 43 per cent, or 53 million, are underweight; and nearly 20 per cent, or 25 million, are wasted (low weight for height). Let us stop hunger from claiming the childhood of millions of children. Malnutrition disrupts a child’s mental and physical development – which leads to poor concentration as well as poor critical thinking and creativity.

Hunger is preventable if all of us join hands in supporting Akshaya Patra. If the problem of hunger is solved, children can pursue education as it is the best way to escape poverty. The motive of Akshaya Patra is to stop childhood hunger and thereby support education.

The organisation serves nutritious meals in 24 locations across 10 states of India. In a day, meals are served to 1.5 million children. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is the world's largest not-for-profit organisation providing wholesome mid-day meals. For feeding a child for an entire academic year, it will cost only ₹750.

Support us @ www.akshayapatra.org/world-hunger-day

Read our World Hunger Day blog @ http://blog.akshayapatra.org/our-hope-this-world-hunger-day/