“How many people must suffer before action is undertaken?”

My name is Avanthika. I am 14 years old and a Grade 9 student at Sanskriti School, New Delhi.

I have undertaken this campaign because I was shocked to learn how many students from low-income homes, specifically in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, who go to school (mainly government schools), do not have basic school gear; like proper footwear or a school bag.They often sit on the cold, hard floor to receive education.

This has severe consequences. Sitting down on the floor for long periods of time leads to 9 in 10 students facing posture-related problems.Moreover, it also has an indirect impact on their eyesight, their ability to concentrate and to study. Lack of footwear also leads to foot-related injuries, infections and long term health diseases.

A back-to-school kit, costing INR 950, fixes this very problem.It gives students a pair of recycled footwear, a recycled study mat to sit comfortably at school or home, and a recycled school bag for books. This is a very small amount, but this small amount fixes a student’s ability to excel, it gives them dignity, comfort and confidence.The real world impact could be seen by imagining it on a bigger scale. Funding a small amount of INR 4750, will transform the lives of 5 students in desperate need.

Considering the kit contains recycled items, it fuels not one, but two SDG goals.The first being reduced poverty, and the second being responsible consumption/waste management.

Please support my campaign, for we must improve the lives of those less fortunate than us.Let us, together impact the health, school attendance, and grades of these fellow students.

The kit’s purpose is simple; to bring a smile to these fellow student’s faces and increase their confidence!The happiness you see when the children receive these kits is enough to make you want to help them further.

Any step, however small makes a difference.