Returning to school after a vacation is like starting anew. It’s a chance for students to set new goals, make new friends and embrace new challenges. The structure and routine of school provide a sense of stability that can be particularly beneficial after the unstructured days of vacation.
For many children, the mid-day meal is a highlight of their school day, but it’s also a reminder of the support and care they receive from their school community. As they sit down to enjoy their lunch, they are not just filling their stomachs; they are also nourishing their minds and spirits.
While the thought of reuniting with friends and diving into new lessons is thrilling, there’s another aspect that many children look forward to—the mid-day meal.
In many schools, the mid-day meal is more than just a break from the classroom; it’s a cherished part of the school day. These meals provide more than nourishment; they create a sense of community and routine. For some students, the school lunch is a significant source of nutrition, ensuring they receive the essential vitamins and minerals needed for their growth and development. The anticipation of a warm, wholesome meal can make the return to school even more enticing.
Importance of education
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of children. It’s not just about learning to read, write and solve math problems. Education opens up a world of opportunities, fosters critical thinking and cultivates a love for lifelong learning. It provides children with the tools they need to navigate the world, make informed decisions and contribute positively to society.
How schools affect child development
The benefits of education extend far beyond the classroom. Here are some of the profound effects that learning has on children:
- Cognitive development
Regular schooling stimulates intellectual growth. Exposure to various subjects and disciplines helps in the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. - Social skills
School is a social environment where children learn to interact with peers and adults. This interaction is crucial for developing communication skills, empathy and teamwork. - Emotional growth
Education helps children understand and manage their emotions. Through structured activities and social interactions, they learn resilience, patience and the importance of emotional intelligence. - Creativity and imagination
Schools provide numerous opportunities for children to engage in creative activities, whether through art, music or storytelling. These activities foster creativity and encourage imaginative thinking. - Physical health
Many schools incorporate physical education into their curriculum, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining physical health and well-being.
How does Akshaya Patra help children?
Holiday season is a time when children’s schedule (generally fixed by their parents) goes for a toss. Back to school means back to routine, back to learning and back to nutritious mid-day meals.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation provides meals to children coming from challenging backgrounds, which incentivise them to come back to school and be regular in attending everyday. By providing children with school lunch, we help in:
- Improving nutritional levels of children
- Increasing attention span and memory
- Improving attendance rates
- Reducing school dropout rates
- Improving socialisation among children
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As children head back to school, the joy of mid-day meals combined with the excitement of learning makes for a powerful combination. Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future and your contribution is a significant part of this journey. Let’s celebrate the return to school, the laughter during lunch breaks, curiosity in classrooms and endless possibilities that education brings. Here’s to a wonderful school year ahead for millions of children across the country!
