Nourishing Hope: How Mary’s Meals India Is Transforming Lives at St. Michael’s School for the Hearing Impaired
In the quiet town of Hazaribag, Jharkhand, a remarkable school stands as a beacon of hope for children with hearing impairments. Established in 1995, St. Michael’s School for the Hearing Impaired is the only institution in the district dedicated to educating these exceptional children. With 134 students from pre-school to primary level, many travel long distances of 7 to 8km—some as far as Barhi, Ichak, and Sitagarha—to access education.
Most of these children belong to families of farmers and daily wage-workers. Their parents, toiling from dawn till dusk, often struggle to provide regular meals. As a result, many students arrived at school on empty stomachs, their hunger making learning an uphill battle. Concentration waned, attendance dropped, and their potential remained untapped.
On 12th July 2022, when BREAD, through Mary’s Meals, stepped in with a simple yet transformative solution—a freshly cooked midday meal. The impact was immediate and profound. Once tired and distracted, the children are now full of energy, engaged in learning, and thriving in communication skills through sign language as well as in extra-curricular activities. Teachers have witnessed a remarkable shift in behaviour, participation, and academic progress.
“Anjali, a class 5 student from Sitagarha village, travels 11 km to school every day. She has a younger brother who is also deaf. Once frail and struggling to focus, she now radiates vitality. The introduction of balanced daily meals has transformed her, boosting her energy, enhancing her concentration, and igniting her enthusiasm for learning.”
Mrs. Stella, an experienced teacher, witnessed a remarkable transformation in her students after the meals project began. Once lethargic and disengaged, they became more energetic, responsive, and eager to learn, reinforcing her belief that proper nutrition supports academic success.
The contribution ensures that these children can focus on their education without the burden of hunger, while empowering them with the opportunity for a brighter future. Your compassion and generosity are making a real difference, and we are truly grateful for the unwavering commitment of BREAD and Mary’s Meals”
– St.Michael’s School for the Hearing Impaired, Hazaribagh
“Given that no other school in the district caters for students with hearing difficulties, St. Michael’s School, Hazaribagh and the Mary’s Meals’ school feeding programme plays a crucial role in supporting these exceptional children and their families. The impact goes beyond nutrition—it has created an environment where these students can thrive and reach their full potential. The visible smiles and daily progress reaffirm the impact, making every effort worthwhile.” Mary’s Meals State Co-ordinator remarked while monitoring visit at the school.
Through,
Ashish Norman
State Co-ordinator
Mary’s Meals India
BREAD Noida
Comments (2)
admin
minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate
admin
minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate
admin
nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate