Tag: KIDS

Categories
-Top News Europe UK News

Acorns Children’s Hospice Seeks HELP

Acorns Children’s Hospice has launched a campaign – Children’s Care Matters – calling on the Government to confirm the grant and safeguard it for at least five years, so Acorns can continue providing the range of services hundreds of local families need…reports Asian Lite News

Acorns Children’s Hospice has launched an urgent campaign to save vital £2 million government funding as it faces the prospect of turning away a child in need for the first time in the charity’s 36-year history.

The future of the funding – known as the Children’s Hospice Grant – is uncertain, meaning Acorns may be forced to cut vital services for life limited children and their families, unless the grant is confirmed before November.

The charity has launched a campaign – Children’s Care Matters – calling on the Government to confirm the grant and safeguard it for at least five years, so Acorns can continue providing the range of services hundreds of local families need.

To launch the campaign, staff and volunteers from Acorns are taking giant orange “HELP!” letters on tour around well-known West Midlands landmarks and asking the public to add their name to a Change.org petition.

Acorns executive nurse, Katie Burbridge said: “Every week that passes, the situation for Acorns and children’s hospices across the UK becomes ever more serious, affecting countless children and families.

 “We’re here to say that children’s care really does matter and the Government needs to take action to safeguard the Children’s Hospice Grant, so vital services like ours can continue providing the care that families need.”

Uncertainty around the grant has come at a challenging time for Acorns, amid a background of rising costs and increasing demand for services.

In the past year, there has been a 47 per cent increase in demand for the charity’s end-of-life care service, and demand for post-death bereavement services have doubled.

Katie added: “Uncertainty around the grant, rising costs and increased demand is extremely challenging mix for us to deal with. It means we’re ever more reliant on the generosity of local people for funds – a situation that’s simply not sustainable.

“Whatever people can do to support our campaign, we would be incredibly grateful, so we can raise awareness of this issue and get our voice heard, before it’s too late.”

The Children’s Hospice Grant is a national £25 million NHS grant, distributed to children’s hospices across England. It makes up around 13% of Acorns income, a total of £2 million.

For Acorns to continue, the vast majority of the remaining income the charity needs comes from fundraising and profits from charity shops.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 750 children across the West Midlands, and supported almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.

ALSO READ-Sikhs in Midlands fight Indian woman’s deportation

Categories
Lite Blogs Parenting

Keep Kids Entertained on Rainy Days with These Creative Activities

Transform your living room into an indoor campsite. Set up a small tent or make a fort using blankets and pillows. Bring in sleeping bags, flashlights, and some snacks. You can tell stories, play board games, or even watch a movie from your “campsite.” …reports Asian Lite News

Make rainy days fun for kids with these 5 indoor activities

Rainy days can be a challenge for parents trying to keep their kids entertained indoors. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, it’s easy for children to get bored and restless. However, with a bit of creativity, rainy days can become a time for fun and learning. Here are five activities that can make a rainy day enjoyable for your kids.

Indoor Treasure Hunt

An indoor treasure hunt is a great way to keep kids engaged and active. You can create a simple treasure map and hide small items or treats around the house. Provide clues and riddles to lead them to each spot. This activity encourages problem-solving and physical activity. Plus, it’s a lot of fun watching them work together to find the treasure.

DIY Crafts and Art Projects

Rainy days are perfect for getting creative with arts and crafts. Set up a crafting station with supplies like paper, crayons, markers, glue, and scissors. You can find easy craft ideas online, such as making paper airplanes, origami, or creating homemade cards. This activity allows kids to express their creativity and can keep them occupied for hours.

Baking Together

Baking is a wonderful way to spend time with your kids while teaching them valuable skills. Choose simple recipes like cookies, muffins, or cupcakes. Let them help with measuring ingredients, mixing, and decorating. Baking together not only results in delicious treats but also provides a great opportunity for bonding and learning about teamwork.

Indoor Camping

Transform your living room into an indoor campsite. Set up a small tent or make a fort using blankets and pillows. Bring in sleeping bags, flashlights, and some snacks. You can tell stories, play board games, or even watch a movie from your “campsite.”

Interactive Games and Puzzles

Board games, puzzles, and card games are excellent ways to entertain kids on a rainy day. Games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Uno can be both fun and educational. Puzzles, especially large ones, can be a group effort and provide a great sense of accomplishment when finished. These activities promote critical thinking and family interaction.

ALSO READ-Electrical Noise Stimulation Boosts Math Skills in New Study

Categories
Lite Blogs Parenting

Foster Self-Play for a Screen-Free Childhood

Every child has some unique talent. Do Bring it out. If he likes drawing/colouring then keep a small colouring book and crayons in your bag, so you can keep them busy with it when you are travelling or if they love music then let them hear some good music. This helps in building their talent…writes Shilpa Divakar

Screen time is the most discussed topic these days among parents. In this digital world going completely off screen is not possible, but getting your child addicted to screen is also not good. But by making a few changes we can create a screen free childhood for our children.

1. Self-Play: It plays a major role in overall development of children. It makes them learn to be more independent and helps in building leadership quality. Do start this at a very young age. Let them play and just see how they get engrossed in their own world.
2. Activities: Building blocks, puzzles, board games, activity boxes, there are many such activities which help in keeping children engaged for a long time and they also help in improving their creativity.
3. DIY activities: You can also create your own Do It Yourself (DIY) activity for your child. For example, counting beads, molding using flour dough, creating a small water pond with fishes and many more. Children do enjoy doing such activities.
4. Reading: Books are indeed a great companion, so do introduce books to children at a very young age. It helps in improving knowledge and language vocabulary. Storytelling is a very good habit, it helps in improving their imagination and they get to learn some moral values.
5. Outdoor play:This is very much essential for the physical development of children. Just by sitting inside, they don’t learn anything. They need to be exposed to the outside world where they get to learn many things. It keeps them active and also helps in sleeping better.
6. Hobbies: Every child has some unique talent. Do Bring it out. If he likes drawing/colouring then keep a small colouring book and crayons in your bag, so you can keep them busy with it when you are travelling or if they love music then let them hear some good music. This helps in building their talent.
7. Play with your children: We all have busy schedules, yet we need to make some time for our children and play with them. Children feel very happy when the parents get down on the floor and play. It also helps in improving the bonding between the parents and child.
8. Pretend play: Children love to imitate. So choose a certain character from a storybook or some profession and let your child enact it. For example: My son loves enacting a doctor. He pretends to be a doctor and we become his patients.
9. Give them household chores: Include children in house chores by giving them small tasks like folding clothes, putting clothes to washing machine, putting garbage to dustbin, etc. Such kind of chores helps in teaching children about cleanliness and leading an organised life in the future.
10. Spend quality time together: Set aside at least 1-2 hours of family time where you sit together without any gadgets and spend some quality time. Interact with your children the same way you interact with your partner. Talk to them, ask them about their day. This helps in creating a beautiful family bond.
11. Practice what you preach: Last but not the least to create a screen free childhood for our children, we need to limit our screen time too. If we are addicted towards the screen, then children will also be doing the same. Therefore, to create a screen free childhood parent’s role is really very important.

ALSO READ- Diet Tips for Healthy Adult Women

Categories
Lifestyle Lite Blogs Parenting

89% of Indian Moms Worry About Kids’ Screen Time

Mothers feel that deep fakes and Gen AI will add to their future parenting worries as they get to see the rising cases along with learning how these can be negatively used to malign the reputation and credibility of individuals…reports Asian Lite News

A whopping 89 per cent of Indian mothers are concerned about the screen time of their children, according to a report on Sunday.

The report, released by market research firm Techarc on Mother’s Day, is based on a survey of 600 working mothers, across four metro cities, having at least one child between grade 3-10 in school.

It explores insights on the digital ecosystem in which mothers operate today viz-a-viz the challenges, concerns, interests, and preferences.

“Mothers believe that increased screen time affects their studies and has a negative impact on the mental and physical health of their children,” the report said.

Further, the report showed that privacy (81 per cent), inappropriate content (72 per cent), teenage influencers (45 per cent), deep fakes, and impersonation (26 per cent) were other top concerns bothering mothers.

Mothers feel that deep fakes and Gen AI will add to their future parenting worries as they get to see the rising cases along with learning how these can be negatively used to malign the reputation and credibility of individuals.

Among the devices, mothers are concerned about the expected popularity of VR headsets, especially after the launch of Apple Vision Pro.

Mothers believe that “this form factor will zone out their children who will lose attentiveness towards the environment adding to their distractions,” the report said.

On the other hand, mothers also found the digital world much more useful and relevant for children, compared to five years ago.

More than 60 per cent of the mothers spent 51-85 per cent on their children through digital mediums buying various goods and services. Nearly 20 per cent of digital savvy mothers spent more than 85 per cent, the report said.

Mothers’ most trusted digital partners include Amazon (for shopping), Swiggy (for food), and Disney Hotstar (for entertainment)

ALSO READ-Diet Tips for Healthy Adult Women

Categories
Food Lite Blogs Recipes

Baking Day for Kids and Couples Alike

Cookies with chocolate chip on parchment paper napkin on wooden table.

Kids with no playdates? Spend a day getting messy together in the kitchen baking peanut butter cookies and cake.  Couples can spend whip  up a storm and top it off with sinful alcohol infused dessert.
 
Cocoa Cellar is a patisserie based out of Mumbai delivers alcohol infused dessert. Their menu features options like Sacher Torte, Kahula & Coffee Macarons, Amarula & Dark chocolate cupcake and Whisky & Cashew Cookies. Devashree Muni, Owner, Cocoa Cellar who has trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney, Australia, has designed and created these goodies

Here are two recipes by  Cocoa Cellar in which you can choose to include or exclude the alcohol. Both versions taste equally great.


Madeira Cake

INGREDIENTS

Unsalted Butter         180 g

Castor Sugar            180 g

Orange Zest              1 no.

Lemon Zest               1 no.

Eggs                         165 g

Cake Flour                100 g

Corn Flour                100 g

Almond Meal              80 g

Baking Powder            5 g

Salt                           pinch

Lemon Juice             1 no.

Sour Cream               50 g

Orange Juice            1 no.

Citron                         50 g

 
METHOD

 Line a 1/2kg cake tin.

Cream the butter, sugar until light and aerated. Add the zest and eggs.

Sift all the dry ingredients.

Add lemon juice, orange juice and sour cream. Mix it well and whip.

Gently fold all the ingredients through the butter mix.

Bake at 180 °C for 30 minutes or until cooked.


Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie

INGREDIENTS

Flour                      315g

Baking Soda          1 tsp

Salt                     3/4 tsp

Butter                   225 g

Peanut Butter       370 g

Brown Sugar       160 g

Castor Sugar        160g

Eggs                      2 no.

Vanilla Extract       2 tsp

Chocolate Chips   320 g

METHOD

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy

Add vanilla extract and eggs and beat well

Sift the dry ingredients in a bowl and add it to the egg mix. Add the salt and mix.

Stir in the chocolate chips.

Refrigerate the dough.

Form dough balls with a spoonful of peanut butter in each ball in the centre

Bake at 180 °C for 12 minutes

ALSO READ-Recipe: Easter Simnel Cake

Categories
Lite Blogs Parenting

Why Quality Time Matters Most in Parenting?

Establishing a structured daily routine at home fosters a disciplined lifestyle, yielding abundant fruits in life’s journey. Craft a flexible timetable for your children, incorporating dedicated slots for reading, writing, play, recreation, and daily tasks to instill a robust work ethic and moments of relaxation. …writes Niru Agarwal

In our rapidly advancing, materialistic society, the significance of good parenting often gets overshadowed. Prioritizing the essential aspects of a child’s upbringing is crucial for their overall development. There is no universal rule for prioritization, as it varies for each parent based on their child’s needs. With each new year, parents should stay attuned to evolving trends to ensure their children’s safety, security, and education. Recognizing children’s interests and establishing clear objectives are vital, as kids learn rapidly from the external world. Facilitating the setting of realistic, measurable goals for children enhances effectiveness in parenting. Here are five key priorities for parents to raise their children successfully.

Have a daily routine at home

Establishing a structured daily routine at home fosters a disciplined lifestyle, yielding abundant fruits in life’s journey. Craft a flexible timetable for your children, incorporating dedicated slots for reading, writing, play, recreation, and daily tasks to instill a robust work ethic and moments of relaxation. Encourage each activity with joy and satisfaction, cultivating a sense of responsibility in your kids. Prioritize their happiness and well-being by actively participating in their studies or arranging for a tutor. Regularly monitor their overall growth, engaging the learning process and ensuring their continued progress. This holistic approach contributes to fostering happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals.

Spending quality time with your kids

The significance lies not only in spending time with your children but in effectively utilizing that time. Prioritize quality moments with your family by establishing goals for regular weekend family nights or monthly outings. Cultivate honesty in your interactions with your children, avoid superficial relationships, and strive to build a robust bond with them. Invest in meaningful experiences that deepen connections and create lasting memories. Dedicated focused and intentional time enhances the quality of your relationships and fostering a solid and genuine connection with your kids. In doing so, you contribute to the overall well-being and harmony within your family unit.

Freedom with Responsibility

Granting freedom to children is vital, but it must be accompanied by a sense of responsibility and defined boundaries. Stay adaptable and open to your children’s evolving world, understanding their needs. Instill a sense of responsibility and prioritize freedom with accountability in your kids. Be a positive role model at home, teaching them the true meaning of life through your actions. Correct their mistakes gently, steering them back on the right path. Encouraging them to participate in school extracurricular activities fosters growth and responsibility. Balancing freedom with guidance cultivates positive self-esteem in your child, laying the foundation for their development into responsible individuals.

Prioritize healthy lifestyle 

Guiding children towards making healthy life choices is paramount. As genuine mentors, parents are crucial in providing the right direction. Prioritizing both mental and physical well-being is essential. Instill the importance of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep habits through consistent bedtime routines. Actively identify and address your children’s feelings of worry, anxiety, sadness, or fear, offering gentle guidance. Practice empathy to connect with your children on an emotional level. By fostering a holistic approach to health, parents contribute significantly to the overall well-being of their children, equipping them with the tools to lead balanced and fulfilling lives.

Monitor digital absorption 

Children tend to absorb vast amounts of information swiftly, particularly in today’s tech-driven era. The universal use of mobile screens and immersion in the digital world, offering instant gratification through video games and social media, poses a risk to the balanced life cycle. While technology brings benefits, excessive usage can lead to imbalance. Many children develop social media addiction, which impacts them negatively. Parents must familiarize themselves with their children’s digital activities, designating screen-free times to foster a tech-free environment at home. Encourage offline hobbies, create a tech-free zone, and instruct children on safe online browsing practices to ensure a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

In conclusion, prioritizing essential habits at home is paramount. When parents prioritize the upbringing of their children, placing them at the forefront despite other commitments, a deep impact is possible in children’s holistic growth. This commitment fosters a strong parent-child bond, positioning parents as their kids’ best friends. By dedicating time and attention to fostering a nurturing environment, parents play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s character and ensuring a foundation for a promising and harmonious future.

ALSO READ-

Categories
Lite Blogs Parenting

Safeguarding Kids with Safe Personal Care Products

The term “child-friendly” is not always synonymous with safety, therefore it can be deceptive. Animations and vibrant packaging are common strategies used by manufacturers to attract both parents and kids…reports Asian Lite News

Selecting the right personal care products for kids is an important aspect of parenting. With so much buzz around skincare and routine for kids parents are becoming more anxious in their selection process. Eventually the anxiety results in decisions that can negatively impact kids’ wellbeing.

Let’s explore some common mistakes parents make when purchasing personal care products for their children and how to avoid them with the expert help of Prasanna Vasanadu, Parent Educator and Founder of Tikitoro.

Ignoring Ingredient Labels:

Parents commonly make the mistake of not reading the ingredient labels on personal hygiene products. Harmful ingredients such as sulphates, parabens, and phthalates are often found in many products marketed to children. For instance, many shampoos contain sulphates, which can irritate skin, and parabens, which can disrupt the endocrine system. Parents must prioritize products with natural, hypoallergenic ingredients to avoid these problems. By taking this preventive measure, potentially hazardous chemicals are kept away from children’s sensitive skin.

Thinking ‘Child-Friendly’ Always Means Safe:

The term “child-friendly” is not always synonymous with safety, therefore it can be deceptive. Animations and vibrant packaging are common strategies used by manufacturers to attract both parents and kids. However, these promotional strategies might divert attention away from potentially harmful ingredients. Parents should carefully read product labels to ensure that the contents meet their safety standards, looking beyond the branding.

Falling for Marketing Gimmicks: 

When purchasing personal hygiene products for children, parents often fall prey to marketing tactics. It is important to prioritize ingredients over colourful child-attractive packaging. As responsible parents, it is important to choose products considering the ingredients used in the products. Focus on the actual benefits of the product rather than being influenced by catchy slogans. Spend some time to educate yourself about potential irritants and allergens. Parents may protect their children’s health and well-being by making educated decisions.

Ignoring Allergen Considerations: 

Every child is different, and so are their allergies and sensitivity levels. If product compositions are not checked for allergens, the child may experience adverse effects. To prevent unnecessary health issues, parents should carefully review ingredient lists, especially if their child has documented allergies.

Ignoring Environmental Impact: 

Parents unintentionally contribute to waste and pollution by neglecting to consider the environmental impact of the personal care products that they buy for their kids. Opting for recyclable packaging can help mitigate this issue. Seek accreditations such as “sustainable”, “cruelty-free” or  “recyclable” on the packaging of the product or check the Brand for sustainable processes. Parents may help future generations live sustainable lifestyles by ensuring that their children’s well-being aligns with a healthier world by making these wise choices.

ALSO READ-Indian Republic Day celebrations by IIW– Connecting British Indian Kids to their roots

Categories
Education Lite Blogs

Gifts That Educate and Entertain

Even in a time when kids spend more time with their devices, DIY Kits remain incredibly popular. Offering kids the opportunity to explore new activities consistently sparks curiosity…reports Asian Lite News

Getting the perfect gift for anybody, especially for kids is an art. In an era where the digital space shapes their preferences, traditional gifts are completely out of the question. Gone are the days when kids would be excited with a model train set or a collection of their favourite books. Today, even kids want gifts that are well-suited to their individual needs and ones that fit well with their personalities.

To make this experience easier for you, here’s a list of the best birthday gifts to give kids this year that might help you out:

Bringing Learning to Life

Even in a time when kids spend more time with their devices, DIY Kits remain incredibly popular. Offering kids the opportunity to explore new activities consistently sparks curiosity. Additionally, tactile experiences play a crucial role in accelerating children’s understanding and learning of various concepts. Particularly beneficial for primary and middle school kids navigating the fundamentals of diverse subjects, these DIY Kits serve as a fantastic avenue to infuse enjoyment into their learning process.

Nurturing Young Chefs

If you know a budding chef, there’s nothing better than gifting them the tools of the trade. From colourful mixing bowls and kid-friendly knives to mini-sized measuring cups and silicone baking moulds, you’ll discover a diverse range of cooking and baking tools specifically designed to be both easy and safe for kids to use. These tools make the culinary journey exciting and accessible for young chefs and can turn any kitchen into a playground of creativity. Encourage their passion for gastronomy with these thoughtful and practical gifts.

A Bedtime Wonderland

Elevate any kid’s bedtime with my Trident Juniors Collection, a whimsical blend of dreams and warmth for your child’s sanctuary. The collection comes in a variety of themes from wildlife safaris to space exploration, ensuring a delightful option for every little dreamer. Crafted from the best materials, these vibrant bed sheets, themed pillowcases, and cosy comforters guarantee a night of unparalleled comfort.

A Flavour Bonanza

The best thing about birthdays is the gifts, but wouldn’t it be great if you could get a gift even if it wasn’t your special day? There are tons of snack hamper subscriptions that you can choose from. You can go for a full year’s subscription or even choose a shorter term. Many of these subscription services also let you customise your order. So if you want to be someone’s favourite aunt or uncle, then this is probably the best gift choice for you!

Curate Art Supplies Hamper

Craft a personalised art supplies box with markers, coloured pencils, paper, and various craft items. This considerate and budget-friendly present can be effortlessly curated from nearby art supply stores or discounted shops, encouraging a world of creativity and self-expression. Spark any kid’s artistic flair with this carefully curated gift, providing endless possibilities for imaginative creations.

ALSO READ-Indian Republic Day celebrations by IIW– Connecting British Indian Kids to their roots

Categories
Food Lite Blogs

Why Walnuts Are a Must for Kids’ Diets?

Some nuts can cause allergies, but most nuts are safe for young children It’s best to be careful just in case, but generally these are a safe bet…writes Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Finding the right food for your kids can be tough sometimes. But what if there was a secret ingredient that’s yummy and super good for them.

Enter walnuts – these tiny, crunchy wonders aren’t just for grown-ups. According to dietician, Vidhi Chawla, founder of Fisico diet and Aesthetic Clinic, walnuts and kids form a dynamic duo, blending taste and nutrition seamlessly. She said, “These small, crunchy wonders aren’t just a treat for young taste buds; they’re a nutritional powerhouse for growing bodies and minds. Embracing walnuts as a regular part of your child’s diet isn’t just about adding a delightful crunch; it’s about nurturing their well-being in a delicious and accessible way.”

What makes walnuts special?

First of all, although walnuts are small, they are full of nutrients that will help your baby grow. They are full of omega-3s, protein and fiber; These are all good things that will keep kids smart, their minds strong, and their bellies happy.

Super Brain Power: Children’s brains are always working hard, right? Walnuts are rich in Omega-3 as a special fuel for dense cells. They help children think better and remember things better. So if you want your child to be successful in school, walnuts will do the trick!

Heart and strong bones: All parents want their children to be healthy and walnuts can help with this! They have good properties to make the heart strong and strong bones. Consider giving your child the secret weapon for a strong heart and strong bones; That’s what walnuts are for!

Make food fun: Sometimes getting kids to eat healthy food can seem like a simple task. But eating with walnuts turns into a fun adventure! Sprinkle them on cereal, stir them into yogurt, or add them to salads. Children love this crunchy treat and it is a healthy treat.

No need to worry about allergies: Some nuts can cause allergies, but most nuts are safe for young children It’s best to be careful just in case, but generally these are a safe bet.

Many benefits of walnuts: Walnuts are not only beneficial for body development; They can also help children be happy! There are vitamins that help children grow and make them happy.

Food magic: What is a boy? There are so many wonderful things you can do with walnuts in the kitchen! Bake with them, spread them on, or add them to snacks at home. There are so many ways to enjoy walnuts!

Health for a lifetime: Now when you give walnuts to your children, you show them how good the food is. This can help them make good food choices as they grow, meaning they will be healthier as they get older.

Walnuts might look small, but they’re full of big surprises! They’re like secret agents working to keep kids strong, smart, and happy. By adding walnuts to your kid’s meals, you’re giving them a super boost of healthiness without them even knowing it. So, next time you’re cooking or preparing snacks, remember the power of walnuts and let them be the kid-approved secret ingredient for a healthier, happier future!

Remember, always check with your child’s doctor if they have any allergies before introducing new foods. But if walnuts are safe for your little one, dive into the world of nutty goodness and let the healthy adventures begin!

ALSO READ-Recipe: Walnut Cookies

Categories
-Top News PAKISTAN

Pakistan Sees Spike in Out-of-School Kids

exam

In comparison among the major provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fares better with a 30 per cent out-of-school rate…reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan is grappling with a crisis of out-of-school children, witnessing an alarming rise from 22.02 million to 26.21 million, The News International reported, citing a new report by Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE). The critical state of education accessibility in the country was highlighted in the preliminary teaser and detailed insights will be unveiled on Monday.

The PIE’s Pakistan Education Statistics Report 2021-22 made staggering revelations regarding the number of out-of-school children. As of 2021-22, there are 26.2 million out-of-school children across Pakistan, which raises concern. Notably, 39 per cent of children in the school-going age group are currently out of school, indicating a persistent challenge in ensuring universal education, according to The News International. Balochistan stands out with the highest percentage, where a staggering 65 per cent of children are out of school, while Islamabad Capital Territory reports the lowest percentage.

In comparison among the major provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fares better with a 30 per cent out-of-school rate. Despite a decrease in the percentage of out-of-school children from 44 per cent in 2016-17 to 39 per cent in 2021-22, the absolute number has surged from 22.02 million to 26.21 million during the same period. This increase is primarily attributed to the population growth rate outpacing the decrease in out-of-school children.

The report further highlighted that at the higher secondary level, a disconcerting 60 per cent of children will be out of school in 2021-22. Further analysis revealed 44 per cent, 30 per cent, and 36 per cent out-of-school rates at high, middle, and primary levels respectively, as reported by The News International. Notably, a substantial portion of the out-of-school children, totalling 10.77 million, is at the primary level, emphasising the urgent need for targeted interventions. Economic disparities play a significant role in educational access, with children from the poorest quintile facing the highest disadvantage, evident across all education levels. (ANI)

ALSO READ-13 Students Killed in School Dormitory Fire in China