Kozhikode, 26 February 2026: Malabar Group has announced the expansion of its Micro Learning Centres (MLCs) to additional states and regions, reinforcing its commitment to rehabilitating street children and facilitating their reintegration into the formal education system.
The expansion aims to extend structured learning support and care to children who are out of school due to socio-economic challenges. By equipping them with foundational education, nutritional support and guidance, the initiative seeks to bridge learning gaps and enable their smooth transition back into mainstream schooling.
As part of the scaling strategy, a week-long intensive training programme is currently being conducted at the Group’s headquarters in Kuttikkattur, Kozhikode, for State and Zonal Coordinators along with volunteers leading the MLC network. The programme brings together domain experts and field teams to design a structured roadmap for replicating the MLC model in new geographies while enhancing operational efficiency across existing centres.
The Micro Learning Centres function under Malabar Group’s flagship CSR initiative, Hunger Free World, which addresses hunger and educational deprivation among vulnerable communities. Through this integrated approach, children living on the streets, engaged in forced labour or who have dropped out of school receive nutritious meals, basic academic instruction, assistance for re-enrolment in formal schools, and continued rehabilitation and social integration support.
Currently, 1,534 Micro Learning Centres are operational across 18 states, benefiting over 64,000 children, primarily in urban slum clusters. According to estimates by UNICEF, nearly 20 million children in India live on the streets, with more than 80 percent concentrated in urban areas — underscoring the urgent need for sustained and scalable interventions.
Commenting on the expansion, Mr. M.P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group, said the initiative reflects the Group’s responsibility toward vulnerable communities. He emphasised that businesses must actively contribute to long-term social impact by ensuring access to food, education and opportunities for reintegration into society.
Since its inception, Malabar Group has earmarked five percent of its profits for CSR initiatives. Under the Hunger Free World programme, the Group currently provides daily meals to over 115,000 beneficiaries across India, Zambia and Ethiopia. Additionally, the Grandma Home project offers shelter and essential care facilities to underprivileged and destitute women.
With CSR focus areas spanning women empowerment, health, education and environmental sustainability, Malabar Group has invested over ₹376 crore in social development initiatives to date, positively impacting more than 1.8 million lives.
