The Power of a Child’s Voice

 Every individual, regardless of their background, has a unique perspective on life and valuable experiences to share. But for decades, we failed to pay attention to a child’s voice.

 

With increasing access to digital media in the past few years, we have finally begun to shed light on the essential requirements of children, why each child is different and how meeting their needs plays a crucial role in their overall development.

 

For most children from better-off families, the unmet needs may be more elaborate as they can already access healthy food, education and creative training. But ask a child from a low-income background, you will probably hear “daily access to food and school”.

 

When an underprivileged child speaks about their experiences, it can draw attention to systemic issues and raise awareness of social injustices. Their perspectives will also help us identify the support they need.

 

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a recognised 22-year-old NGO that listens to the calls of these children. Thus, it partnered with the Government of India and various State Governments to effectively implement the PM Poshan Abhiyaan (earlier called the Mid-Day Meal or MDM Programme) across the country.

 

Today, Akshaya Patra nourishes 2 million children with hot, safe, tasty and nutritious meals in 22,367 Government and Government-aided schools across India every school day. It is registered under the Indian Trusts Act of 1882 and executes the world’s largest NGO-run school lunch programme.

 

Here are stories from some of its MDM beneficiaries.

 

Voice of Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal beneficiaries

Feed the children and empower their voices

Let the words of these little children inspire us to take action and work towards creating positive change in their communities. When we listen to and empower their voices, we are helping to build a more equitable and just society for all.

One of the effective ways to do this is by donating for mid-day meals. This way, we support the holistic development of children from lesser privileged backgrounds while also incentivising them to come to school regularly. 

If you choose to feed the children with Akshaya Patra, you also become eligible for tax exemptions on every donation you make as the NGO is registered under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act.

All donations above ₹500 made to the NGO are eligible for a 50% tax exemption, and contributors will receive a tax exemption donation certificate as proof.

So, let’s recognise and amplify the voices of children who need our support with nourishing mid-day meals (MDM) for education today!

Contribute to secure their futures and avail tax benefits!