Kudumbashree to roll out ‘Ma Care’ kiosks in Kerala schools

Kudumbashree that has made a name for itself with quality products manufactured by its microenterprises is making its presence felt on school campuses in Kerala too.

Exemplifying the attention provided by mothers to the needs of their children, the Poverty Eradication and Women Empowerment Mission is making available stationery items needed by students through its ‘Ma Care’ kiosks in schools under the General Education department that have high schools and higher secondary sections.

These kiosks will also store snacks and beverages, akin to canteens seen in unaided schools, besides sanitary napkins needed by girl students.

Piloted in Kasaragod

The project was piloted in Kasaragod district two years ago and was implemented in Kannur as a project of the district panchayat. The positive response to the venture in the two districts has led to its roll-out across the State.

The Ma Care kiosks are more about food, say Kudumbashree officials. Students, they say, are often in need of pens, pencils, notebooks, and material for their projects. The kiosks will provide these to them on the school campus itself, thus reducing dependency on outside shops. Same with snacks and beverages. Many students partake themselves of such food outside campus, but hygiene remains a cause for concern. The Ma Care kiosks will provide unadulterated and quality snacks and tea and other beverages to students. There is no fixed menu, though the emphasis is on healthy snacks such as steamed items.

In some places, students who are unable to bring food have also asked for packed meals to be provided to them. The Ma Care kiosks will consider such requests depending on what the school authorities and the Kudumbashree entrepreneurs decide.

Sanitary napkins are another product that will find a place on the shelves of Ma Care kiosks. Teachers, Kudumbashree officials, say often purchase and stock these for students who may need them urgently. The kiosks will address this issue too.

If there is not enough space to set up the kiosks on school premises, unused classrooms will be put to use. Both the students and the teachers can make purchases from the kiosks at reasonable rates, say the officials.

Already in 72 schools

The project was operational in 72 schools the past academic year. This year, the goal is to set up the kiosks in at least 1,000 high schools and higher secondary schools. This follows a decision taken at a meeting attended by Minister for Local Self-Governments M.B. Rajesh and Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty in May.

Two Kudumbashree women entrepreneurs will man each kiosk, thereby providing regular income and employment for hundreds of Kudumbashree women. It is expected that in the long-term, at least 5,000 Kudumbashree women will be ensured a source of livelihood through ‘Ma Care.’

The Kudumbashree officials say that crowds of students hanging around shops near campuses may increase the possibility of anti-social acitivity there such as drug peddling. With stationery and snacks available within the school compound, the possibility of children being roped in for such activities is reduced.