VIA school serves very poor village children, who often resort to begging instead of school, and who often eat only once a day. The members of Gyan Jyoty Trust grew up in such a village, and we know how education and good nutrition can change a child's life. Our project will provide a nutritious lunch every day at school for these children, making it possible for them to learn, grow and thrive educationally, physically and emotionally.
Local village children often come to school hungry. Their parents are subsistence farmers, or have no real work; these children are easily distracted from school by the lure of begging from tourists. They suffer not only from poor nutrition, but from a systemic lack of opportunity and education in their village. They have few role models of people around them becoming educated, economically empowered, and contributing to society.
VIA school offers a quality educational experience for these underserved village children. Our school lunch program will provide a nutritious daily meal, allowing the children to concentrate on learning, and not be diverted into a life of begging and poverty. Without chronic hunger, these children have a chance to benefit fully from the education we offer, and their future potential can be realized, as they grow beyond the limits of poverty and ignorance.
It is well known and documented that education, especially for girls, changes not only the child's individual future, but the quality of life in their village and community. Educating these children will help break the cycle of poverty which grips so many of their families and neighborhoods. Our village is located near Bodhgaya, a World Heritage site. Begging and child labour are endemic to such tourist centers. Our school and nutrition program helps prevent this negative aspect of tourism.
