The ‘Improving Delivery of ECCE’ program systematically endeavours to improve Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in AWCs (Anganwadi centres) in the Sirohi and Karauli districts. TATA trust brings together CmF and Mindray to improve the delivery of early childhood care. The program's primary objective is to strengthen the early childhood care and education component in the AWCs. They build capacities of the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme) functionaries to support the age-appropriate development of children and improve school readiness for when children move from AWC to grade 1 of the school system. The focus age group is 3 to 6 years from rural underprivileged areas, disadvantaged communities, tribal and scheduled castes, as well as minority populations. Communities from the bottom of the pyramid access AWCs. As part of the program, 40-60 model AWCs are developed in each of the 7 project blocks, which brings it to 250 model AWCs in Sirohi and 100 model AWCs in Karauli. These AWCs are identified jointly by the district administration and CmF. To set up these models and demonstrate best practices, resource teams consisting of sector supervisors, mentor teachers, and model AWCs will be formed and trained.
With the funding support of Mindray, 40 model AWCs are being developed in the Hindaun block of the Karauli district. These include the minor repairing, renovation, illustrations, and painting of the Anganwadi room, procurement of pre-school TLM kits, play materials, children’s literature (storybooks), and stationery materials like Dari and Jute bags. The development of the remaining model AWCs in Karauli is being done through funding by TATA Trusts.
TATA Trust via Centre for microFinance (CmF) collaborates with Mindray to improve the delivery of early childhood care and education (ECCE) services in Rajasthan.
Centre for microFinance, Jaipur, was set up in Rajasthan in 2007 by Tata Trusts. It was set up by development practitioners, academics, state-government departments, and NABARD (National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development) to promote community-led microfinance. The Trusts and Centre for microFinance have MoUs (memorandum of understanding) with the Govt. of Rajasthan for multi-thematic intervention. These interventions ensure the enhancement of the quality of life of people with low incomes in Rajasthan. Centre for microFinance has been implementing multi-thematic programs to transform underprivileged communities' lives. They focus on strengthening and improving access to Education, Health & Nutrition, Water & Sanitation, Microfinance, Livelihoods, and Skill building. A significant part of the Centre for microFinance's education and nutrition programs is creating enabling physical environments in community institutions and strengthening education. Additionally, they concentrate on health & nutrition services through continuous capacity building, community mobilisation, coordination with government officials, and contextual resources.
Key Project Activities
- Facilitation Letter for AWC Selection- A facilitation letter was issued from the Karauli ICDS office for the identification of proposed model AWCs in the Hindaun and Todabhim blocks. AWCs run in their own government building, with appropriate space available for outer game activities. Also, Anganwadi workers' and helpers’ posts are not vacant, and Anganwadi Worker has at least secondary education with a minimum of 3 years of experience. Finally, AW Workers and Helpers must be from the same gram panchayat.
- Finalised List of Model AWCs - Based on the above criteria, 100 AWCs in the Hindaun and Todabhim blocks of the Karauli district were jointly identified by the Centre of microFinance and ICDS departments. Out of these 100 AWCs, 40 AWCs were finalised for model AWC development with the funding support of Mindray in Hindaun block.
- AWC Renovation Work - Post finalisation of AWCs, the renovation work was initiated. So far, renovation work has been completed in all 40 AWCs, including minor repair work, wall paintings, illustrations, etc.
- Procurement of Pre-school TLM Kit and Resource Materials - Early childhood care and education resource materials have been procured, including pre-school TLM (teaching/learning materials) kits & play materials, storybooks, stationery materials, display units, Jute bags, Dari, etc. These resource materials have been distributed in all 40 model AWCs.
Outcome and Impact
Mindray, in collaboration with TATA Trust through CmF, greatly impacted many early learners.
The outcome of the renovation work and provision of preschool TLM Kits, storybooks, and stationery items in all 40 model AWCs leads to improvement in the delivery of early childhood care and education services. As a result of these efforts, around 1,900 children enrolled in these 40 AWCs will benefit from better facilities, materials, and resources for their learning and development.
