Namrata's Story: Malnutrition in the Darjeeling Region

Last year, Namrata’s mother Sweta was alarmed to hear from her daughter’s teachers at Laxmi Memorial School. Namrata had stopped participating in class or playing games during recess. Her energy was low and her mood subdued. Sweta was worried and uncertain where to turn for help. 


Fortunately, Broadleaf School Health Activist Dhiraj had begun to monitor the growth of students in Namrata’s school. Dhiraj confirmed that Namrata’s height and weight had dropped well below the average for girls her age, and connected Namrata with health services including nutrition education and iron supplements.  


Today, Namrata is able to run and play with her friends – and spend her school days focused on learning. Broadleaf’s unique school health model empowers community members to become school-based health educators who work tirelessly to improve the health of children like Namrata. By helping kids to practice hygiene, teaching classes on topics like nutrition and mental health, and making direct referrals to medical care, Broadleaf Health Activists enable children in under-resourced communities to stay in school and thrive.  


Due to malnutrition, 25 percent of school children in the Darjeeling region are underweight for their age. We believe a preventable health condition like this should never be an obstacle to education. When you donate to Broadleaf, we will use your gift to help children like Namrata stay healthy and stay in school.

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