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.
