Ankur Divas To Promote Community Involvement On ECD – Women & Child Development

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Project “Ankur Divas”

Problem

• Active involvement and support from the community was lacking.
• Regular monitoring and evaluation of Anganwadi Centers’ activities to ensure quality service delivery.
• Lack of awareness and socio-cultural practice for children under 6 years was not given emphasis.
• Lack of prioritised training.
• Lack of encouragement regarding greater participation and involvement in activities.

Solution

• Ankur Divas encourages greater community participation and involvement in the activities.
• Enlightened the parents and community about age and developmentally appropriate early child care.
• Inform parents and community to get them well versed with the non-formal play and activity based method of learning.
• Inform parents about the progress of their child on growth, development and learning milestones.
• Education practices facilitate active participation of parents and community by creating opportunities for parents to contribute human and material support to the AWC.

Challenges

• Embedded practice in rural/tribal/urban slums about giving quality dedicated time for the children was not a priority.
• Communication with the service providing systems with regards to health and nutrition is more in comparison to early childhood stimulation and education.
• Paradigm shift required from the ICDS functionaries attitude & practice on only nutritional intervention.
• Prioritizing training need on ECE & ECD.
• Training and capacity building of Anganwadi workers and helpers.

Innovation

• Role of AWWs/AWHs in holding Fixed Monthly Ankur Day observation was a mandate to do twice every month.
• Role of Members of PRI/ULBs in Holding Fixed Monthly Ankur Day.
• Role of CDPO/Supervisor in Holding Fixed Monthly Ankur Day.
• Supervisory and Monitoring Arrangements for Organisation of Fixed Monthly Ankur Day.
• Collation of local cultural stories. Rhymes, songs, games, drawings, art forms for activity bank.

Outcomes

• Generating awareness of the parents & community about importance of responsive parenting in Ankur Divas.
• Keeping the parents informed about child progress on child assessment card.
• Generating awareness in the community about role of local artisans in preparation of inexpensive PSE material of indigenous origin.
• Awareness regarding locally and less expensive materials available for play activities for children under 6 years of age.
• Trainings have been provided to the AWWs & AWHs to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge.

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Case Study

Smoke-Free Anganwadi Centres In Odisha 

Summary 

A majority of the AWCs use smoke-generating firewood, while some depend on coal, which has serious health impacts. It also acts as a big deterrence in conducting preschool activities in some AWCs where smoke covers the entire area where children carry on with their activities. With an aim to make Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) safe, clean and smoke-free zones, the Govt. in the W&CD Department now provisions LPG connections to all Anganwadi Centres across the State. This will not only ensure clean and safe surroundings at AWCs but will also be fuel efficient.

Problems

Coal and wood fuels emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases when burned, which contribute to climate change and air pollution. It releases pollutants into the atmosphere, which cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues. The release of smoke from firewood stains the walls of the building, thereby giving it an unclean look. Also, the logistics of procuring and managing solid fuels were time-consuming and added to the workload of the AWWs.

Solutions

The detailed guideline has been formulated and shared with the districts/projects to ascertain the process of implementation of LPG connections at the AWCs. Governments established safety standards and regulations to ensure the safe handling, installation, and usage of LPG in AWCs. Adequate budgetary provisions have been made from the state funds and allocated for the purpose and training has been provided to the AWWs & AWHs on fire safety measures, handling, usage, and maintenance of the LPG equipment. Monitoring and Evaluation mechanisms are in place to assess the implementation and impact of LPG usage in AWCs.

Outcomes

Currently, 95% of the AWCs in the state are provided with LPG connections as it is a relatively cleaner-burning fuel compared to solid fuels. LPG is a relatively cleaner burning fuel compared to solid fuels. It emits fewer greenhouse gases and reduces particulate matter emissions, leading to a smaller environmental footprint. This results in improved indoor air quality, minimizing health risks of AWW & children. By using LPG in Anganwadi centers, the issue of wall staining caused by firewood smoke has been effectively addressed.

Challenges

There were issues in uniform implementation across districts. In remote or rural areas, the accessibility of LPG refilling stations or delivery services was a challenge, making it difficult to maintain a continuous supply of LPG.

Innovation

The department de-centralized the entire process from mapping distributors to LPG connections at the Anganwadi Centres. Funds for the refilling of three cylinders were transferred to each AWC in advance at once and thereafter for three cylinders each time.

Opportunities

This immensely successful initiative has a high potential for replicability in other states.

For more information, please contact:
Ms Bhumika Rath, Section Officer at dirwcd.or@nic.in

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