My name is Anarv, a student at Vidya Niketan in Bengaluru.

Amenities such as schoolbags and benches are synonymous with school life to us. As a student myself, I sometimes take these things for granted. However, thousands of students in rural Karnataka (areas such as Mandya) don't have access to these provisions. They don't have bags to carry their books, they don't have proper footwear, and they more often than not have to sit on the cold, hard ground to study.

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. Due to these health problems that demand medical attention, students miss out on 2-3 school days per month. That's an entire MONTH of school missed over the course of the year!

Many outstanding students who deserve academic success and merit fail to achieve this due to their lack of basic provisions. It's the exact opposite of a head start. Well, GreenSole is resolved to level the playing field.

The back-to-school kits- that GreenSole manufactures from discarded clothing and footwear that would otherwise just end up in a random landfill -cost just INR 950 and gives students a pair of up-cycled footwear, an up-cycled study mat to sit on comfortably at school or at home, and an up-cycled school bag for books. A contribution of just 3800 rupees would lessen the immense burden on 8 shoulders, give a rest to 8 weary legs and bring a HUGE smile onto 4 grateful faces.

Any contribution is appreciated, and every rupee makes a difference. Even sharing this amongst your friends and family would be a great way to show your support. So, join me, and together we can continue to make a difference, one student at a time!