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s children grow, malnutrition and learning loss. A number of children enrolled at
they need adequate
nutrition to develop
cognitive skills and
A abilities that impact
their academic performances.
In a country like India where
poverty levels are high there are
many challenges associated with
providing children with safe and
affordable access to healthy meals.
A recent report by the Ministry of
Women and Child Development
has found 4.3 million children in
India to be malnourished. Poor
nutrition is one of the major reasons
for absenteeism and low school
attendance among students from
underserved communities.
community The Akanksha Foundation is
trying to bridge this gap between
partnerships for
school children’s
nutrition
challenges
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non-profit that runs school based on Akanksha schools come from low-
the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) income families, where nutrition
model in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, often ends up taking a backseat.
Akanksha operates on the belief Akanksha works closely with parents
that when we reimagine learning on creating awareness around
for students, we can pull their health and nutrition.
entire families out of poverty and
address several allied Sustainable In June this year, Shindewadi
Development Goals (SDGs). Mumbai Public School (SMPS), one
Akanksha’s vision of delivering of twenty-six Akanksha run schools,
quality education for all children, located in Dadar locality of Mumbai,
no matter their background, aligns was recognised for its efforts in
with the goal to ensure inclusive and prioritizing nutrition for its students
equitable quality education for all. by T4 Education, a UK-based
organization. SMPS was shortlisted
For its students, Akanksha’s focus is in the top 10 schools of the World’s
on holistic growth that goes beyond Best Schools (WBS) prizes in the
the classrooms. It includes engaging ‘Supporting Healthy Lives’ category.
ensure students’ mental, emotional Since its inception 14 years ago,
with parents and communities to
the school has introduced several
and physical wellbeing. A large
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