Malabar Group expands Micro Learning Centres to more regions

Malabar Group is expanding its Micro Learning Centres (MLCs) to additional states and regions as part of its ongoing efforts to rehabilitate street children and enable their return to formal education. The initiative focuses on providing basic learning support and structured care to children who are out of school due to social and economic challenges, with the objective of reintegrating them into mainstream education.

As part of this expansion, a week-long training programme for State and Zonal Coordinators and volunteers leading the MLCs is currently underway at the Malabar Group Headquarters in Kuttikkattur, Kozhikode. The programme brings together domain experts and field teams to develop a structured roadmap for scaling the MLC model to new locations and strengthening operational effectiveness across existing centres.

The Micro Learning Centres operate under Malabar Group’s flagship social initiative, Hunger Free World, which aims to address hunger and educational deprivation among vulnerable communities. Through this programme, children living on the streets, engaged in forced labour, or who have dropped out of school are provided with nutritious meals, basic education and support to re-enter formal schooling, along with rehabilitation and social integration assistance.

Currently, 1,534 Micro Learning Centres are operational across 18 states, supporting over 64,000 children, primarily in urban slum areas. According to UNICEF estimates, nearly 20 million children in India live on the streets, with over 80 percent residing in urban centres, highlighting the need for sustained intervention in densely populated cities.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. M.P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, said:
“Through our work with Micro Learning Centres, we have seen first-hand the harsh realities faced by children living on the streets. Expanding this initiative to more regions is part of our responsibility to ensure that vulnerable children have access to food, education and a path back into society. We firmly believe that business must play an active role in creating long-term social impact, and we will continue to strengthen our efforts in this direction.”

Since its inception, Malabar Group has committed five percent of its profits towards social responsibility initiatives. Under the Hunger Free World programme, the Group currently provides daily meals to over 115,000 beneficiaries in India, Zambia and Ethiopia. In addition, the Grandma Home project offers shelter and care to underprivileged and destitute women, ensuring safe accommodation and essential facilities.

Malabar Group’s CSR focus areas include women empowerment, health, education and environmental sustainability. To date, the Group has invested over Rs. 376 crore in social development programmes, positively impacting the lives of more than 1.8 million people.