Raipur. Anganwadi centers are now creating a new identity for the better development of small children in whose hands the future of the country is. Earlier Anganwadi centers were considered limited only to nutrition and child care, but now they have become strong centers of elementary education, health services, social awareness and rural employment.

The changes in Anganwadi centers in districts like Jashpur, Surajpur, Raigarh, Mahasamund, Dhamtari, Mungeli and Narayanpur of Chhattisgarh are now becoming an example for the entire country. In these centres, children are getting a better learning environment, due to which their self-confidence and interest in learning is increasing.

Building as Learning Aid: Anganwadi building becomes the medium of learning for children

Modern Anganwadi buildings have been built with the help of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA) and Women and Child Development Department. 'Building as Learning Aid (BALA)' model has been adopted in these buildings. The walls, floors, stairs and open spaces of these centres, built at a cost of about Rs 11.69 lakh, have been developed as teaching material.

Through colorful pictures on the walls, children are being given information about Hindi and English alphabet, numbers, shapes, directions, animals, birds and local environment. Now every wall of Anganwadi is teaching something new to the children and the entire center has turned into a living school.

Dhamtari's BALA model becomes a successful example of early childhood education

BALA model in Dhamtari district has played a big role in making the elementary education of children easy and interesting. With the cooperation of MNREGA, ICDS and 15th Finance Commission, the work of construction of 81 new Anganwadi centers started in the district, out of which 51 centers have been completed.

The Anganwadi center of village Udenna is a special example of this change. Here, children of the special backward tribe Kamar category are studying while playing. Pictures related to local culture, language and mathematics have been made on the walls. Colors and shapes are written on the floor and numbers are written on the stairs, due to which the curiosity of children is increasing and they are learning new things easily.

Rural employment and village economy strengthened through MNREGA

The construction of Anganwadi buildings not only provided better facilities to the children but also provided employment opportunities to the rural people. Under MNREGA, local workers got work in construction works, which increased their income and reduced migration from villages. In this way, Anganwadi centers are no longer limited only to the development of children, but have also become a medium to strengthen the rural economy.

Children learning while playing, enthusiasm increased in Anganwadi centers

From the urban areas of Mahasamund to the forest areas of Narayanpur, the new look of Anganwadi centers is clearly visible. Colorful walls, educational charts, poems and play materials have made these centers look like modern play-schools. Children now reach the center with joy and enthusiasm and are learning languages, mathematics and practical knowledge while playing.

Anganwadi becomes a strong center of nutrition, health and awareness

Today Anganwadi centers are playing an important role not only for children but also for pregnant women, lactating mothers and adolescent girls. Supplementary nutrition, vaccination, health check-up and counseling services are being provided here regularly. Messages written on the walls like “The better the weight line, the healthier the child” and “Boys and girls are equal” are working to spread awareness in the society.

Anganwadi centers are providing effective benefits of government schemes

The benefits of many important government schemes are being extended to the people through Anganwadi centres. These include Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandan Yojana, Chief Minister Child Reference Scheme, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Noni Suraksha Yojana and Mahtari Vandan Yojana. Women and girls are getting social and economic security through these schemes.

Children's attendance increased in clean and safe Anganwadi centers

RO water, clean kitchens, safe playhouses and regular cleaning have made Anganwadi centers safe and attractive for children. With the active participation of Mahtari committees, the attendance of children has increased and they are developing the habit of continuous learning.

Anganwadi centers are strengthening the national education policy and nutrition campaign.

Anganwadi centers of Chhattisgarh are working to implement the goals of the National Education Policy and Nutrition Campaign. Each center, built at a cost of about Rs 11.69 lakh, has become a strong model of all-round development of children, empowerment of women and rural employment. Today, Anganwadi centers have truly become the first schools of children, where education, nutrition, security and employment together are laying the foundation of a developed and strong India.