In the small village of Baberi, situated amidst the rolling hills of Rayagada District in Odisha, a young girl named Rekha Bushikha (Name changed) begins her day with a determination that belies her tender age. At just 11 years old, her heart brims with aspirations of becoming a doctor who tends to the sick and soothes their pains.

Each morning, as the sun peeks over the horizon, Rekha rises with a sense of purpose that propels her forward. Living with her parents in Baberi Village, she embarks on a journey of knowledge—a 2-kilometer trek along winding sand-filled roads—to reach Rasikhola Model School in Rasikhola village.

Rasikhola Model School holds a special place in Rekha’s heart. It is not only a pathway to her dream, but also a sanctuary of growth and nourishment in the form Nutri Garden—tended by teachers, students, and the community alike. In her free time, Rekha along with other school children upkeep the nutrition garden by cleaning and watering the plants. The awareness of healthy nutrition and hygiene by the Global Program team has created a deep impact on her life.

The Nutri Garden, born in 2021 through the unwavering support of Caritas India’s Global Program, stands as a testament to the transformative power of a system-strengthening approach towards nutrition and food security. Its verdant rows of vegetables not only supplement the Mid-Day Meal support but also instill invaluable lessons in nutrition and sustainability among the children.

Mr. Subhash Pradhan, a dedicated teacher at Rasikhola Model School, bears witness to the profound impact of the program. “The change in behavior towards nutrition and hygiene has been truly remarkable,” he attests with a smile. “Our children have become stewards of their health, embracing practices like handwashing with newfound diligence.”

But the program’s impact extends beyond the school gates. By providing vegetable saplings for the children to cultivate at home, the initiative empowers families to become creators of their nutritional resilience.

The enhanced Mid-Day Meal, enriched with fresh produce from the Nutri Garden, has not only attracted more children to school but has also significantly reduced dropout rates—a testament to the program’s success in addressing the educational barriers posed by hunger and malnutrition.

For Rekha, the journey towards her dream of becoming a doctor is not just a solitary pursuit; it is a collective endeavor nurtured by the Rasikhola Model School and the unwavering support of programs like Caritas India’s Global Program.
Moreover, through a collaborative effort between Caritas India and the District Education Department, a Training of Trainers program was organised to roll out a balanced nutrition curriculum. Over 20 government schoolteachers from nine schools in Bissom Cuttack and Gudari block exemplified unwavering commitment to nurturing healthier generations through comprehensive education on nutrition and well-being.

This curriculum, a pivotal milestone in the journey, transcends conventional teaching to instill in students the importance of nutrition, healthy eating habits, and hygiene—a critical step toward holistic development and well-being.
As Mr. Subhash reflects on the journey, his eyes gleam with pride. “Sensitizing children to the significance of nutrition was paramount,” he explains. “Now, parents are equally motivated to send their children to school, knowing they’ll receive the nourishment they need to flourish.”

This is one of the instances in which Global Program’s interventions complement the governmental programs on nutrition and food security and mid-day meals in the schools. The impact of the program is felt far and wide as the households have improved their knowledge and practices regarding hygiene and healthy eating. Additionally, the number of households receiving government welfare programs for health and nutrition security has increased, contributing positively to the well-being of the community.

Through Rekha’s journey, we witness the transformative power of education, community empowerment, and sustainable interventions. Her footsteps along the sandy roads of Baberi echo with the promise of a brighter future—for herself, for her community, and for generations to come. And it is through the support of programs like Caritas India’s Global Program that dreams are cultivated, futures are nourished, and hope blossoms anew.