A middle school in Vedaranyam taluk in Nagapattinam district on Thursday initiated free breakfast scheme, much to the relief of students from economically poor background.
By way of commissioning the scheme with support from alumni, the management and teachers of Sri. Thayumanavar Vidyalayam, an aided middle school at Vedaranyam set an example worthy of emulation by other institutions.
The initiative was launched by the school after finding that many students who are children of labourers miss their breakfast before coming to school. The management decided to launch the scheme on the premise that a healthy body is the basis for a happy childhood. State Textiles Minister O. S. Manian who also represents the Vedaranyam constituency, launched the scheme by serving idlis and sweet pongal to the students.
Free meal provision for school students, a pet scheme of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, has been appreciated by the United Nations, the Minister said.
The Kasthurba Gandhi Kanya Gurukulam Trust that runs the school conducts welfare programmes for economically poor women as well.
Kaylaimani A. Vedarathinam, Managing Trustee, said the key aspect of the scheme was fulfilling the hunger of the children at a time when when they need it the most. The society is responsible for the all-round growth of the children, he said.
As desired by the founders Sardar A. Vedaratnam and Padmasri Appakutti, the KGK Gurukulam Trust will also provide snacks to the children after school hours so that they can go home refreshed, he said.
The morning breakfast and refreshments, the school authorities believe, will serve as incentives to slow learners to attend special coaching to improve their academic performance.
