Released on World Indigenous Day, ‘The First Learners’ gives us an insight into what education means to children living around the forest regions of Odisha.

Watch it here:

Akshaya Patra’s documentary, ‘The First Learners’, releases on the same day that UN has declared as International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. That is 9th of August. Through the eyes of two beneficiaries and heads of the schools, the film takes you on a journey to the forest and tribal belts of Odisha. The film also gives an insight into the role of education in bettering the lives of children by expanding their ideas and preparing them with a holistic outlook towards their future.

Indigenous People’s Day opens dialogue for global awareness of tribes around the world. The film which features tribes from Odisha addresses their simplicities, complexities and living pattern. Here are the two children whose stories underline the film:

13-year-old Laxmi lives in a quiet village in Odisha and often has to balance between helping out her single mother and receiving an education.

12-year-old Bishnu resides in Jaraikela. Despite dropping out of school for a while, he decided to go back to complete his education.

Tribal children often face difficulties with attaining education due to lack of awareness, and the need to help the family sustain. Despite a progressive change in the trend, the tribal community still lags in literacy rates, in comparison to the general population. Statistics have shown that the female literacy rates in India have gone up greatly, in the last 60 years. However, there is a need to create more awareness among the tribal population about the policies and development schemes made available for them.

Providing mid-day meals to school children whose families live hand-to-mouth has not only led to a growth in school attendance but also growth in awareness on the importance of education despite career choices.

In 1973, the State Government of Odisha set up a school in Ficrochundi forest (Rourkela Division) to make education accessible to children living in the forest area. Ficrochundi Project School with 56 students is an example of why decentralised kitchens are ideal in schools that are surrounded by a tough terrain. In such schools, Akshaya Patra works with Self Help Groups (SHGs) to cook meals at the premises; SHGs usually work in initiatives that cater to development, awareness, leadership and involvement for the benefit of society. The First Learners documentary gives you a visual summary of what a decentralised kitchen is and why it is set up.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation was recently certified as a Great Place to Work by Great Place to Work® Institute. Apart from employees, our interns play a major role in making the place what it is. Adrija Srivastav, a student from IMT College, Hyderabad shares her experience of interning with Akshaya Patra.

Q. Why did you choose this organisation?
A. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a very well-known NGO working for a great cause and has a very dynamic background. I was lucky that Akshaya Patra visited my college with openings for summer internship with a fantastic digital marketing profile. Both the organisation and the work suited my interest and hence I chose Akshaya Patra.

Q. How’s your typical day like?
A. Each day was a new experience in itself. Each day I got to work on something new and by the end of my internship I realised that the things I learnt has been immense and enriching. Besides that, I had my time to chill and relax with my fellow interns during lunch and coffee breaks.

Q. What are the challenges you faced so far? How did you overcome them?
A. I believe I could not have asked for a more fulfilling internship for myself. The journey was incredible, and I did not face any problem in the work whatsoever. I am grateful that I always had my mentor to back me up at each step.

Q. Any memorable moment you had at Akshaya Patra? What did you like the most about interning here?
A. I had one of the best days of my internship when I got to be a part of the event “Giving Every Dream A Chance”. Since this organisation runs for the sole motive of empowering children so it was extremely pleasing to spend a day with those children who are the beneficiaries of Akshaya Patra and see them live their dreams so confidently and gracefully. It was an inspiration in itself.

The best part about my internship was interning under such a super cool mentor. I think it is extremely essential to be mentored by the right person, with good experience and values. I am thankful to my mentor, Vidhur Kumar, for bringing out the best in me all the time.

Q. Why do you think Akshaya Patra is a ‘Great Place to Work’?
A. The most important reason why I think Akshaya Patra is a ‘Great Place to Work’ is the selfless work they are doing for the nation and the world at large. This makes us derive a sense of meaning from the work we do. In addition to that, the work was super interesting with major takeaways and the work environment was safe, comfortable and appealing to work in. Every single person was very welcoming and of course, who wouldn’t love it when you get such healthy and tasty food each day at work!

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5

To apply for internship with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, you can contact us on hr.helpdesk@akshayapatra.org