Nutritious meals are helping Chhaya stay in school

11 year-old Chhaya is a spunky and bright 7th standard student that receives educational support services through the Ashraya Initiative for Children in Pune, India. She joined AIC’s Education Outreach Program last year when her mother was hired as the kitchen manager at the AIC Education Centre. Chhaya is the second youngest of her parents’ five girls, and although they lament the fact that they have no boys to carry on the family name, her parents are committed to letting Chhaya and her sisters complete their educations as long as they are financially able to do so.

Chhaya’s father works as a gardener, and her parents earn between 6,000 and 10,000 rupees per month ($100 –  $170), depending on availability of work for him. The seasonability of work makes it hard for the family to plan for the future, especially as Chhaya’s oldest sisters are approaching marriageable age and her parents are now trying to save for their weddings. Thankfully, Chhaya has been able to stay in school and is thriving with the support she receives at AIC.

One of the most valuable forms of support that Chhaya receives is daily, nutritious meals and snacks. For a family like Chhaya’s, which relies on variable, seasonal income, it is reassuring to know that their daughter will continue to receive healthy, filling meals every day that she attends school.

Thank you all for your support of Ashraya and Chhaya!