Proposed pian (or supplementary food to children o( (our schools in

Marakanam area.

Background: Marakanam is situated 120 km south of chennai along the coastal

area. The main occupation beinq agriculture and allied activities. As rainfall is
seasonai & erratic, people look: for alternate job during off-secsori and plani crops
in on-season. Hence there is seasonal migration. So the most of the time women
headed the household actiuiiies and take care of their children In 1994 ASSEFA
initiated education programme in these areas and established schools in the
remote villages. There are four such schools in the area. Each school couers the
area of 15-20 km radius (catchments area). The school and the no. of students

S.No. Name ofthe School No. oJchildren

1 Kannimeddu 60
2 Nallampakkan 66
3 Erikodi 74
4 Thazhangadu 70 \
I

Total 270

The commoti health problems among the school-going children are Vitamin
disorders - mainly Vitamin A, B-complex deficiency. Hence the childreripresents
with clinical signs oJxerosis of eye & Bitots spot, Hair colour change, Brittle nails
Glossitis & skin. color changes. The other problems are respiratory infections, poor
personal hygiene and worm infestaiions.

ASSEFA in its mini health center in Marakanam area with a professionallu

qualified doctor is able to address the heolih. related issue to the families in the
area through 5MBTS.. Moreouer the heal~hteam also haue exclusiue school health
pro~ammeJorASSEFA.~eare:
• General check-up twice a year is organized in the school with the supply of
lron tablets, De worming tablets, Nutritive mix and Antipyritic for
emergency needs.

• Teachers were trained in general health aspects to take of the children.

• Promoting Kutty doctors in school to impari health education to other

children

• First-Aid training to teachers and prouidinq emergency kit box at schools. '

• Parents counselinq for children personal hygiene and nutrition.

It is now proposed to pro vide supplementary food to these 270 children in four
schools to mitigate the Vitamin deficiency problems. They will be nutritionally
supported with boiled green gram. These pulses are rich in Vitamin B
complexes and are good [or growing children. These 270 children will be
supported with green gram twice a week. The cost of it is given below:

• Total Children : 270

• Cost of green gram per child per week: Rs 8.

270 children X Rs 8 = Rs 2160
(Twice a week)

• _Costper ...çhildper month: R§ ~~_

270 children X Rs 32 = Rs 8640

• Cost per child for 10 months

Rs 8640 X 10 months = Rs 86,400