Latest news with #MaCare
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
School Cafe project gains ground in schools in Kerala's Kannur with low-cost meals and study support
The Kudumbashree-run Scoofe (School Cafe) project, which serves affordable meals and offers study support to school students is gaining rapid popularity across Kannur district of Kerala. Following the success of the first Scoofe at Kannadiparmba Government Higher Secondary School, the initiative is being expanded to all schools in Kannur. Launched by the Kudumbashree District Mission and the District Panchayat, Scoofes provide meals, snacks, beverages, books and study materials within the school premises. The initiative, which began with 25 schools in 2022-23 using ₹36.5 lakh, expanded to 30 more schools in 2023-24 with an allocation of ₹40 lakh. For the years 2024-25 and 2025-26, ₹20 lakh and ₹10 lakh respectively have been earmaked for further expansion. Currently, 62 schools host Scoofes, including Aralam High school, under the Tribal Special project. Operating from 9.30 a.m to 5p.m, Scoofes serve lunch dishes such meals biryani, kuzhimanthi and chapathi and snacks such as tea, coffee and lime juice during breaks. The initiative aims to keep students within campus grounds, thereby minimising their exposure to external influences, including the drug mafia. Each Scoofe is managed by two women's neighbourhood groups, providing both employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Their ability to offer hygienic and tasty food at low cost has drawn not just students and teachers, but also locals. Encouraged by the district's success, the Kudumbashree State Mission is now planning to scale up the project across Kerala under the banner 'Ma Care'.
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Kudumbashree to roll out ‘Ma Care' kiosks in Kerala schools
Kudumbashree that has made a name for itself with quality products manufactured by its microenterprises is making its presence felt on school campuses in Kerala too. Exemplifying the attention provided by mothers to the needs of their children, the Poverty Eradication and Women Empowerment Mission is making available stationery items needed by students through its 'Ma Care' kiosks in schools under the General Education department that have high schools and higher secondary sections. These kiosks will also store snacks and beverages, akin to canteens seen in unaided schools, besides sanitary napkins needed by girl students. Piloted in Kasaragod The project was piloted in Kasaragod district two years ago and was implemented in Kannur as a project of the district panchayat. The positive response to the venture in the two districts has led to its roll-out across the State. The Ma Care kiosks are more about food, say Kudumbashree officials. Students, they say, are often in need of pens, pencils, notebooks, and material for their projects. The kiosks will provide these to them on the school campus itself, thus reducing dependency on outside shops. Same with snacks and beverages. Many students partake themselves of such food outside campus, but hygiene remains a cause for concern. The Ma Care kiosks will provide unadulterated and quality snacks and tea and other beverages to students. There is no fixed menu, though the emphasis is on healthy snacks such as steamed items. In some places, students who are unable to bring food have also asked for packed meals to be provided to them. The Ma Care kiosks will consider such requests depending on what the school authorities and the Kudumbashree entrepreneurs decide. Sanitary napkins are another product that will find a place on the shelves of Ma Care kiosks. Teachers, Kudumbashree officials, say often purchase and stock these for students who may need them urgently. The kiosks will address this issue too. If there is not enough space to set up the kiosks on school premises, unused classrooms will be put to use. Both the students and the teachers can make purchases from the kiosks at reasonable rates, say the officials. Already in 72 schools The project was operational in 72 schools the past academic year. This year, the goal is to set up the kiosks in at least 1,000 high schools and higher secondary schools. This follows a decision taken at a meeting attended by Minister for Local Self-Governments M.B. Rajesh and Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty in May. Two Kudumbashree women entrepreneurs will man each kiosk, thereby providing regular income and employment for hundreds of Kudumbashree women. It is expected that in the long-term, at least 5,000 Kudumbashree women will be ensured a source of livelihood through 'Ma Care.' The Kudumbashree officials say that crowds of students hanging around shops near campuses may increase the possibility of anti-social acitivity there such as drug peddling. With stationery and snacks available within the school compound, the possibility of children being roped in for such activities is reduced.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Ma Care: Kudumbashree's taste now in state schools
T'puram: The "Ma Care" project by Kudumbashree is being introduced in various schools under the state's education department. As part of this initiative, kiosks will be set up within school premises to provide students with healthy and nutritious snacks, beverages, school stationery items and sanitary napkins. If space is unavailable for kiosks, unused classrooms will be utilized for this purpose. Students, teachers and others can purchase food, drinks and other items at reasonable prices from these kiosks. The goal is to launch the project in at least a thousand high schools and higher secondary schools by July. Before the project launch, special meetings will be held under the leadership of district panchayat presidents, involving the respective panchayat presidents, school authorities and CDS chairpersons. Instructions have been given to Kudumbashree district mission coordinators to prepare for setting up kiosks in schools. The "Ma Care" kiosk project aims to provide income to Kudumbashree women while strengthening the livelihood sector. It is expected that at least 5,000 women will find better livelihood opportunities through the project's initial phase. The project, which has already started in Kasaragod and Kannur districts, has received a positive response. By providing snacks, beverages and necessary stationery, the initiative aims to prevent students from leaving school premises during school hours. Additionally, having access to healthy snacks and drinks within the school compound can help prevent unhealthy food consumption and substance abuse outside schools. Efforts are underway to identify entrepreneurs interested in running kiosks with the support of CDS. Selected individuals will receive training from Kudumbashree on operating kiosks as a business model. Financial assistance for starting the enterprise will be provided through various Kudumbashree projects, the Community Enterprise Fund, linkage loans and the scheme allocation of the three-tier panchayats.
