“Education is the most powerful weapon” we say. This is why I was shocked when I found out how many children in rural Maharashtra don’t have basic necessities. Hi! My name is Reva Jayant and I go to JBCN International school in Oshiwara. Do you know how many students from low-income homes in Maharashtra, who go to school do not have basic school gear? They don’t have a decent pair of footwear or a school bag and have to sit on the cold, hard ground in order to study at school.

The back-to-school kit costs just INR 900 and 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 to impact a student. Each kit costs just INR 900 including the cost of distribution. With a simple fund of INR 900 you can transform the lives of a student.

Sitting down on the floor for long periods of time means 9 in 10 students will face posture-related problems. It also has an indirect impact on their eyesight and their ability to concentrate and study. Lack of footwear also leads to foot-related diseases and health issues. It is normal for these children to miss 6-7 days of school a month due to foot diseases.

As someone who grew up in Mumbai and goes to an international school, I might never understand their struggle. However, as someone who strives to do well in school, I do understand the importance of education. I also understand the consequences we will face if these children, who are the future of India, continue like this.

Please support my campaign and let us together impact the health, attendance, and grades of these fellow students. This kit brings a big smile to their faces and gives them a lot of confidence.