Introduction
The Early Childhood Strengthening Programme – Rural Beat focuses on enhancing early childhood education (ECE) in urban Anganwadis under the ICDS Pune Urban Project Hadapsar
The program is a collaboration between YOJAK (Implementing Partner), HDFC Life (Funding Partner), and Anubodh (Technical Support Partner).
It aims to strengthen the quality of ECE by training and mentoring Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Helpers.
What we do?
Conduct baseline and end-line studies to assess ECE quality.
Provide training and mentoring to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Helpers.
Equip Anganwadis with teaching-learning materials (TLMs) and child-centered resources.
Introduce activity-based learning instead of rote memorization.
Conduct community awareness programs to involve caregivers in the child’s education.
Work with government supervisors to ensure sustainability beyond CSR funding.
Implementation Strategy
The project is structured over multiple years with the following steps:
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Year 1
Baseline study to understand current ECE practices.
Initial training for Anganwadi Workers and Helpers.
Setting up observation Anganwadis with better learning materials.
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Year 2
Recurrent training and on-site mentoring.
Introduction of English at the oral level.
Tracking progress using an assessment tool.
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Year 3
Stabilization of the improved ECE model.
Continuous training and mentoring.
Final assessment and long-term sustainability planning.
Background
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme is a flagship program by the Government of India that provides six key services, including ECE.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes quality early education, as 85% of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of 6.
Many Anganwadis provide limited and low-quality ECE, further impacted by the pandemic, which disrupted early learning programs.
The program aims to bridge these gaps by enhancing the skills of Anganwadi staff and creating a structured, child-friendly ECE environment.
Conclusion
The Early Childhood Strengthening Programme is a crucial step toward ensuring that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, receives a strong educational foundation.
By enhancing the quality of ECE in Anganwadis, empowering Anganwadi Workers, and aligning with national policies, the program is creating a sustainable model for early learning.
With continued collaboration between YOJAK, HDFC Life, ICDS, and Anubodh, this initiative not only prepares children for formal schooling but also strengthens the overall early education ecosystem.
As we move forward, our focus remains on scaling impact, fostering innovation in teaching methodologies, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in their formative years.
