Well-nourished children are the foundation of a strong nation through concentrated efforts on the Mushar community through a special nutrition programme in an aspirational block.

A Special Nutrition Programme under the Pre-School Nutrition and Education Initiative (Rahat) was designed to ensure the nutrition of children belonging to the extremely deprived and poorest Mushar and Nomadic communities, as well as those from single women-headed families, widows’ families and elderly-headed households in the geographically challenging flood-prone areas of Sant Kabir Nagar district. The district was selected for intensive intervention as the number of highly malnourished children was significantly higher than in other locations. The standard of education was also found to be very low among children of the Mushar community, nomadic families, single women-headed households, widows and elderly persons.

As a pro-poor organisation, we strongly believe that a healthy childhood contributes positively to both society and the family. Hence, to address the critical issue of malnutrition, SGVS initiated:

• Four centres were established in the periphery of four Gram Panchayats at identified locations.
• At these centres, 100 children are being provided 150 ml of milk and biscuits on a regular basis to reduce acute malnutrition among children of the Mushar and Nomadic communities, along with families belonging to the identified categories.
• Twice a year, 30 kg of dry ration was provided free of cost to 150 families.
• School uniforms along with shoes and teaching-learning materials such as school bags, notebooks, books and pencils were provided to children to create interest in education and maintain quality and uniformity in the selected locations.

Healthy Childhood, Prosperous Nation

• A strong foundation for future academic success has been laid.
• 12 children moved from the Yellow Category (MAM) to the Green Category.
• Malnutrition among children has been drastically reduced.
• Anganwadi centres in the selected locations have been regularised.
• 12 children moved to the Green Category from the Yellow Category.

Concern of Parents on Swastha Bachpan is Established

• The importance of education and nutrition is reflected in the behaviour and support of the community.