Helping 398 Children Begin School Ready to Learn

Being prepared for school can make a meaningful difference in a child’s confidence and participation. However, many children from disadvantaged families attend classes without a proper bag, lunch box, water bottle or even basic stationery.

To address this need, NLDS distributed school-essential kits to 398 children during July and August 2026—233 in Bihar and 165 in Uttar Pradesh. The children were identified through schools, tuition centres and community networks, with priority given to those facing significant financial hardship.

Every child received a backpack, lunch box, water bottle, pen-and-pencil box, and a pen-and-pencil set. These materials will help them protect their books, organise their stationery and manage their daily school needs more independently.

Before receiving the kits, some children carried their books in old plastic bags, used damaged school supplies or depended on classmates for stationery. Such circumstances often caused embarrassment and made children feel different from others in their classrooms.

Receiving their own kits helped replace that embarrassment with a sense of preparedness and belonging. The children’s excitement was evident as they explored the contents and proudly shared their new supplies with friends and parents.

The assistance also encouraged families who were doing everything possible to keep their children in school despite limited and uncertain incomes. Knowing that others cared about their children’s education brought both practical relief and emotional encouragement.

The 398 children supported by NLDS were among 1,472 children reached through the wider initiative across 14 states.

We gratefully acknowledge the donors, partners, teachers, volunteers and community leaders who made this support possible. Their contribution has equipped children for daily learning and reminded them that their potential and future are worth investing in.