Project Name

Improving access to quality Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) through Anganwadis in Balrampur district, Uttar Pradesh

Introduction

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Project “BUNIYAAD” has been conceptualized and planned for the 3 blocks of Balrampur district, viz. Tulsipur, Rehra Bazar, and Gainsari. The project supported by TATA TRUSTS is implemented by People’s Action for National Integration (PANI), with QUEST as the technical partner.
80 Anganwadi centers/Balvatikas in these three blocks are being developed as model/demonstration centers so that children get access to quality preschool education services through improved Anganwadi centers/Balvatikas. Additional 356 Anganwadi centers and 60 co-located schools in these blocks will be supported through scaled up model.
The intervention is helping enhance capabilities and skills of Anganwadi Workers, Anganwadi Helpers, and Supervisors while also providing the required support to teachers in primary schools. and build parents’ understanding and skills to provide ambience for home learning.

Objective/Purpose

Objective:
1. Ensure Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers, and primary school teachers have enhanced capabilities, better awareness, and access to resource materials/tools to impart age-appropriate preschool education
2. Provide safe and stimulating learning environment in Anganwadi Centers/Balvatika for children by providing support for minor renovation/repairs, and relevant learning material
3. Ensure parents have adequate and relevant knowledge and skills, and gender sensitive attitudes and beliefs to support developmental needs of their children at home. Revive/activate /form Mata Samitis (Mothers’ committees) for larger community engagement.

The key intervention strategies are:
ECCE Program is conducted across AWCs/Primary Schools:
• The ECCE program integrates age-appropriate educational activities, fostering a stimulating environment conducive to early childhood development. The approach includes a blend of play-based learning, cognitive stimulation, and social skills development, ensuring that children receive a holistic educational experience.
• By enhancing infrastructure, providing educational resources, and training staff, the project is making significant strides in creating a nurturing and effective learning environment for young children across these centres.
Professional development training for Anganwadi workers, primary teachers, supervisors, and helpers:
• A cornerstone of the project is to provide comprehensive training to 532 Anganwadi workers, primary teachers, supervisors, and helpers. These trainings focus on professional development, equipping staff with modern pedagogical techniques, child psychology insights, and effective classroom management strategies.
• Workshops cover child-centered teaching methods and gender-sensitive approaches to early childhood education.
Children of 3-6 age group reached:
• To engage children aged 3-6 years, ensuring that they receive quality early childhood education and care. Through the network of 436 AWCs, providing tailored educational activities that cater to the developmental needs of young children*.
*(The estimated number of children in AWCs during program design phase was 13,080. However, actual numbers are being collected and verified. Therefore, these numbers are likely to be higher than 13,080.)
Functional AWCs
• All 436 AWCs involved in the project are being equipped with necessary infrastructure, educational materials, and trained personnel. Each center will provide a safe, stimulating, and supportive environment for children.
• 70% of AWCs will be made fully functional by the end of the third year.
Model AWCs Developed:
• As part of the project’s strategy to set benchmarks for quality, 80 model AWCs are being developed. These centers will serve as examples of best practices in early childhood care and education. Equipped with necessary educational materials, innovative teaching methods, and well-trained staff, these model AWCs will demonstrate the potential of high-quality ECCE.
• They are also being set-up as training centers for other AWCs, sharing successful strategies and insights on effective teaching, child engagement, and management practices. The model AWCs will be replicable, offering a template for scaling up quality education across other centers. Their success will underscore the impact of well-resourced and well-managed AWCs in fostering early childhood development.
Pool of trainers (Supervisors) on ECCE created on ICDS system:
• A pool of Anganwadi Supervisors is being trained on ECCE, enhancing the capacity for continuous training and support across AWCs. These supervisors will conduct workshops, provide training, and offer guidance to ensure the consistent application of best practices in ECCE.
5+ age school children display school readiness:
• By the end of the project approximately 60% of 5+ age children will show school readiness. These children will acquire the foundational skills necessary for formal schooling, including basic literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The focus on early learning experiences, combined with targeted interventions in language development, cognitive skills, and emotional well-being, will significantly contribute to this achievement.
Parents to be counselled on gender issues and they support their children to attend AWCs and study:
• 70% of parents will receive counselling on gender issues and the importance of supporting their children's education. These counselling sessions aim to challenge traditional gender norms and promote gender equality in child-rearing practices.
• Parents are being educated about their important role in their children's education, encouraging them to send their children, especially girls, to Anganwadi centres and support their academic pursuits.