A PROJECT TO PROMOTE THE HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN IN INDIA.
In the rural regions around Mirzapur in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, education is still not a given. Child labour and a lack of educational facilities make schooling difficult. In addition, the almost two-year closure of schools due to Covid-19 has made it difficult for many children without access to digital learning alternatives to return to school. Such a learning environment demands a great deal of strength and resilience from young students in order to successfully navigate through these defining years. For children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, this is all the more challenging.
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT FOR A GOOD START TO SCHOOL
In order to break the vicious cycle of poverty and inequality, SA4D and its local partner organisation CREDA have been focusing on setting up and running Early Childhood Development centres since 2015. Between the ages of three and six, children develop skills that are essential for a successful school career and healthy development. Through the proven approach of learning through play, children are supported in their physical, cognitive and social development. This equips them with important foundations that ensure a successful transition to primary school and a solid basis for their healthy future.
PLAY AND FUN FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS
With the aim of providing children of primary school age with targeted support in their academic challenges, a further focus is placed on the provision of remedial teaching. Students who have difficulties in regular lessons can use the extracurricular programme to receive extra tuition. This knowledge transfer also takes place through the sports- and play-based approach, which is not only intended to facilitate the learning process, but also to make learning fun for the children and motivate them to attend school regularly.
HEALTHY CHILDREN, STRONG FUTURE
In addition to education, access to healthcare is also inadequate for many people in the region. The project therefore cooperates with state health services to ensure that children in the Early Childhood Development centres receive the necessary health checks and care. The project also attaches great importance to teaching the participants skills to protect themselves against illness and promote healthy eating and hygiene habits. After all, only healthy children can realise their full potential and successfully learn.
BASED ON CLOSE COOPERATION
Aiming to ensure a sustainable improvement in the well-being of children, SA4D and CREDA fully integrate their social environment into their work. Parents, especially mothers, are given the opportunity to exchange ideas, to learn about the healthy development of their children and strengthen their own psychosocial health. Only if parents are well can they offer their children a safe home and provide them with the best possible support in their development. The support of the communities and local authorities is also necessary for the sustainability of the project, which is why the focus is on continuous and transparent dialogue.