Provide Nutrition to Migrant Children For a Year

In India, more than 38% of children under 5 are stunted, and over 34% are underweight, a stark reminder of how widespread malnutrition remains. For the 93 million migrant children in India, this challenge is even more severe. Constant movement, unstable and unclean living conditions, and limited access to nutritious food make them especially vulnerable. For these children, hunger restricts far more than daily meals; it weakens their immunity, hinders learning, slows growth, and dims their ability to dream.

This is where Sampark steps in, providing nutritious meals and early learning support through its 28 Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) centers in the Indian city of Bangalore. Having opened more than 125 ECCE centers since 2007, Sampark currently provides early years care and nutrition to more than 1,495 migrant children, ensuring every child experiences a healthy start.

For this reporting period (August-November 2025), take a look at 7 of Sampark's ECCE centers:

1. Whitefield ECCE Center - Nallurhalli, Whitefield
   
   
2.  Patalamma Layout ECCE Center -  VS Reddy Layout, Patalamma Layout, Kadugodi Road
   
   
3. Hoodi ECCE Center – Basavanna Nagara, Hoodi
   
   
4. Bidadi ECCE Center – Rangegowdana Doddi, Manchanayakana Halli, Bidadi, Ramanagara
   
   
5.  Siddapura ECCE Center – Sri Byraweshwar Swamy Vasathi Nilaya, Siddapura
   
   
6. Haralur ECCE Center - Dinne Anjaneya Temple Road, Haralur

7. Bellandur ECCE Center - Margosa Ave, Green Glen Layout, Bellandur, Ibbaluru

During the reporting period, across these 7 centres, more than 586 migrant children began their journeys towards a healthy childhood.

Nutrition Support

Studies show that more than 50% of malnourishment occurs due to children falling sick frequently. To prevent this, 

• Sampark provided three nutritious meals daily to all migrant children, ensuring their good health and supporting normal cognitive development.

Health Support

• Sampark closely monitored every child’s growth through regular height and weight assessments. This helped us track their progress against key developmental milestones and quickly identify any signs of stunting or underweight.
• Upon regular growth monitoring, it was found that 27 children were undernourished. They were in the red or yellow category of WHO growth standards. 
• When a child fell into the yellow or red category of the WHO growth standards, our team immediately provided targeted nutritional therapy – provided supplementary nutrition and personalised follow-ups. With consistent care and monitoring, 22 migrant children successfully moved from the red or yellow zones into the healthy green category, ensuring they are on the right path to healthy growth and development.
• Thus, 81% of malnourished children improved their health and growth parameters. 

Immunization Support

Studies show that in India, more than 19 million children slip through the immunisation net each year. These missed vaccinations leave children more vulnerable to frequent illnesses, and repeated sickness often pushes them further into malnourishment.

• Recognising this critical link between immunisation and nutrition, Sampark ensured that 51 children at our ECCE centres received immunisation support and timely referrals, helping them stay healthy and grow stronger.

We also conducted 12 periodic health camps to screen children, address emerging health concerns, and guide parents, helping every child stay healthy and grow stronger.

In addition to supporting children, Sampark also focused on the health of 13 expecting and new mothers.

• We linked mothers to essential pre- and post-natal maternal health care services, ensuring they received proper check-ups, supplements, and medical guidance during and after pregnancy.
• By strengthening maternal health, we helped give every child a healthier start from the moment they were born, reducing the risk of low birthweight, early malnutrition, and preventable illnesses.

Early years education support

• At Sampark’s ECCE centres, early learning goes hand in hand with nutrition. All 586 migrant children received age-appropriate educational support that strengthened not only their cognitive and socio-emotional skills but also their overall development, which is deeply linked to good nutrition.
• Whether a child just began their learning journey, was preparing for school, or was transitioning back into formal education, our centres provided a nurturing environment where healthy meals and stimulating activities worked together to support growth.
• By integrating nutrition with holistic early education, Sampark ensured that every child built a strong foundation physically, mentally, and emotionally, giving them the best possible chance at a healthier and brighter future.

Community Engagement 

• Sampark also actively engaged 557 parents and community members through 8 focus group discussions and 4 parent–teacher meetings
• These sessions create awareness about child nutrition, healthy feeding practices, and early signs of malnourishment. By involving families in conversations on their children’s growth and well-being, we strengthen the support system around each child, ensuring better nutrition and care both at home and in the community.

Through a holistic approach that combines nutritious meals, regular health monitoring, immunisation support, maternal care, early childhood education, and active community engagement, Sampark is tackling malnutrition at every level. By ensuring that children receive the right nutrition, timely healthcare, and a stimulating learning environment, and by empowering families with knowledge, we are giving migrant children the chance to grow, thrive, and build a healthier future. Your support continues to make this transformation possible.

Success Story: Vidya's transformation from unhealthy to healthy childhood

2-year-old Vidya (name changed) migrated with her parents to Bangalore in 2024. According to her parents, she would barely eat, would constantly cry and would often fall sick. Recognising that she needs to be nurtured during her first 1000 days, her parents enrolled her into one of our ECCE centres. 

During one of the routine growth monitoring sessions, it was discovered that she was severely undernourished, standing at just 8.5 kg and 70 cm for her age. According to WHO standards, this was extreme malnourishment and in the red category. 

To tackle Vidya's (name changed) malnourishment, the teacher started paying close attention to her. She was provided supplementary nutrition and timely immunisations. Things gradually changed for her. She started playing with her classmates more often and would eat all her meals. She started improving her health and fell sick rarely. She eventually improved her weight and health. Now 3.8 years old, in 2025, Vidya (name changed) is a healthy child, weighing 12 kg. She escaped the trap of malnourishment. She is now a healthy and happy child, embarking upon a journey towards a healthy and bright future. 

We invite you to continue standing with us as we work to fight malnutrition and strengthen the health and well-being of migrant children. Your support ensures that every child we reach grows with nourishment, care, and the chance for a brighter future.