Two young Californians, Ruhaan (12 years old) and his elder sister Aahana (14), have since 2021 decided to make a difference in the lives of children less fortunate than themselves.
Growing up a suburban neighbourhood with all their needs met – good food, school lunches, and a supportive environment – Ruhaan and Aahana recognized that not every child enjoys the same privileges. This realization led them to take action through The Prem Rawat Foundation’s (TPRF) Food for People programme. Now, they are children who feed children.
Ruhaan and Aahana learnt about Food for People from their parents, who are long-term supporters of TPRF’s initiatives. This powerful programme provides food and clean water to impoverished children, in Ghana, India and Nepal.
In addition to improving health, the food programme allows them to attend school rather than work to support their families.
Ruhaan’s first donation to TPRF came in 2021 when he was just eight years old. The motivation for the donation came when was deeply moved by the poverty he had witnessed during a trip to India.
Seeing children forced to sell items to make money for their families instead of going to school made a lasting impact on him. He realised that many of these children didn’t even have access to basic necessities like food and water. This experience solidified his decision to donate to Food for People.
Ruhaan says,“I didn’t have much money, but I decided I could donate twice a year – on my birthday and on Diwali. Even if it’s just a little bit, it helps. I’m privileged in my life, and it feels good to give to children who need it most.”
For Ruhaan, Food for People stood out because TPRF not only provides transparency on how donations are used, but also follows up with stories, photos and documentation. Unlike other nonprofits where he wasn’t sure how the funds were being spent, TPRF gave him confidence that his contributions were truly making a difference.
Aahana, Ruhaan’s sister, was 10 years old when she began donating in 2021. Aahana says her initial inspiration came from watching a video on the Food for People website, which showed children her own age being fed so they could stay in school. The video created a deep sense of connection, motivating her to contribute.
“I feel very happy putting my money into something that’s worthwhile for the world,” says Aahana. “It’s rewarding to know that I can help make another child’s life better.”
Aahana hopes that other children will be inspired to donate to the programme as well, seeing the same value in helping feed children in need.
Why Supporting Food for People Matters
Child poverty remains a global issue, affecting millions of children who lack access to basic needs like food, clean water and education. Food for People directly addresses this crisis by feeding children in impoverished areas, allowing them to focus on learning rather than survival. Programes like these are crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty, as they provide children with the tools they need to build better futures.
For Ruhaan and Aahana, donating to this cause is more than just a charitable act – it’s a way of ensuring that every child has the chance to grow, learn and thrive. They believe that even small contributions can make a significant impact in the lives of these children.
Their message to others is simple: “If you’re already donating, keep doing it. You’re helping people to survive. If you haven’t donated yet, it’s never too late to start. Even a little bit can go a long way.”
Inspiring Others to Take Action
Ruhaan and Aahana’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that children, too, can make a difference in the world. Their decision to give back highlights the importance of compassion and generosity, especially toward those less fortunate.
Both Ruhaan and Aahana plan to continue donating to Food for People in the future, hoping that their contributions will help feed children and give them the opportunity to succeed.
Their journey with TPRF and Food for People underscores a critical point: helping to feed children and reduce child poverty is not only rewarding, but also essential in building a more equitable world for future generations.
Ruhaan and Aahana’s commitment to feeding children through Food for People exemplifies how small acts of kindness can make a big impact in the fight against child poverty. By donating even modest amounts, they have contributed to a global cause that provides food, water and hope to children in need. Their story serves as an encouragement to others to take action, showing that everyone, regardless of age or financial status, can play a role in making the world a better place.
One final thought that Ruhaan offers, perhaps sums up his humanitarian principles: “It’s always good to give more than you take.”
Learn more about the Food for People program here.
WE