‘Building as Learning Aid’ (BaLA) Model Anganwadis to foster learning and creativity among young children
OdishaPlus Bureau
Anganwadi centres have reopened across Odisha upon the state government’s orders after prolonged closure due to COVID19. The reopening of modern and renovated Anganwadis in Sundargarh has become a key attraction for children and parents in the district. The centres developed under the modern concept of ‘Building as Learning Aid’ (BaLA) model are aimed at transforming the learning and imagination of young children during the period of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
The anganwadi going children of the district accompanied by their parents received a warm welcome at the Anganwadi Centres. Various games and activities were done for the children on the first day to acclimatise them with the centres. Many anganwadi centres in Sundargarh district have already been developed under ‘Building as Learning Aid’ model.
The children and their parents were delighted to see the anganwadis in a new avatar under BaLA. The district administration aims to transform all AWCs in the district as per the BaLA model. This innovative programme is being implemented as a convergence project of District Mineral Foundation, DMF Sundargarh and Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC).
“I came with my daughter to the Anganwadi centre as it resumes after COVID. Happy to see the new and attractive look of our anganwadi. Painted interiors and various playing materials are provided to engage as well as educate the children in a playful environment”, shares Rinki Kaudi, a parent from Kirei GP in Sundargarh. The Anganwadi Centre in Kirei has taken a complete new shape under BaLA model.
“All Anganwadi Centres in Sundargarh are now being developed on the BaLA model which is a nationally recognised concept for strengthening Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). The BaLA model Anganwadis will thus engage our children in a playful atmosphere and help them learn with fun. This will aid in the children’s physical, mental and cognitive development”, opines Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, Collector & DM Sundargarh.
Under the BaLA Model, Anganwadis are being made child friendly. Various colours and paintings adorn the walls, ceiling, floor and the exterior of these centres. Solar system and cosmic elements on the ceiling, numbers and grammar on the walls, games like ludo on the floor etc have been painted to attract children while encouraging them towards learning in the early childhood stage. Moreover, Sand pit, slopes and swings installed in the play area at the anganwadi premises will add to the amazing world of children.
The BaLA model centres in Sundargarh are equipped with low height child friendly furniture. Moreover, a special Anganwadi Kit has been developed by the district administration for the Anganwadi children which contains legos, puzzles, games, English and Odia alphabet and story books etc.
“Our Anganwadi centre has got a facelift. Children are now excited to play with various toys in get immersed with the illustrations and paintings on the walls. It seems as if every wall of the centre now speaks to the children”, informs Muktilata Kido, a parent from Bandhtola in Nuagaon Block. The Bandhtola Anganwadi centre has also been transformed as per BaLA Model.
Along with children, pregnant women and lactating mothers will also benefit with the modern Anganwadi centres. Drinking Water and separate toilets for mother and child have been provisioned at the Anganwadis. Nutrition Garden is being facilitated at each Anganwadi to supplement nutrition of the children. Each centre in the district will have separate Mamata Gruha for Village Health and Nutrition Day (VHND), Counselling, Immunization, and other services under mother and child development.
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