School Cafe Initiative Transforms Kannur Schools with Affordable Meals and Study Aid

Rapid Summary

• Scoofe Project: A Kudumbashree-run initiative called Scoofe (School Cafe) that provides affordable meals and study support to school students is gaining popularity in Kannur district, Kerala.
• Expansion: After a triumphant launch at Kannadiparmba Government Higher Secondary School,the project expanded from 25 schools in 2022-23 to 62 schools by 2023-24. Planned funding for future expansion includes ₹20 lakh for 2024-25 and ₹10 lakh for 2025-26.
• Services Offered: Scoofes offer meals, snacks, beverages (like biryani and tea), books, and study materials directly within school premises. They operate from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.
• objectives:

– Keep students on campus to reduce exposure to external influences such as drug-related activities.
– Provide hygienic and affordable food options while promoting local entrepreneurship through womenS neighborhood groups managing each cafe.- Serve not only students but also teachers and locals attracted by affordability and quality offerings.
– Tribal Special Project inclusion with notable participation from Aralam High School staff/students/community stakeholders.

Future scope projects envisage integrating this adjacent Kudumbashree scaling collaborative success