Objective

We seek to advocate for systemic capacity building in Bihar by helping develop select Anganwadi centres as demonstration centres for Nurturing ECCE practices and community engagement. We deepen the capacities of Anganwadi workers and supervisors for this purpose, with the intention that this serves as inspiration for a large-scale effort in the state.

The Intervention

Since May 2022 the program has developed 30 demonstration sites in the districts of Patna, Muzaffarpur, Rohtas and Purnea.

30 AWWs, 30 helpers and 10 supervisors from 6 ICDS projects have been trained, mentored and supported to provide nurturing care to young children in their Anganwadis.

Without any additional resources, building on existing systems such as sector level meetings, Anganwadi workers, helpers and supervisors are being trained on responsive ECCE practices. Additionally, the demonstration centres also seek active community engagement in the nurturing care of children and the functioning of the AWCs. This is achieved through building awareness in the community about nurturing care and about Anganwadis as spaces of nurturing care.

OUR PARTNER

The ICDS system in Bihar is the critical element ensuring the effectiveness of this program.

While the Anganwadi staff and supervisors we work with have demonstrated a visible commitment to the idea of transforming their anganwadis to vibrant spaces that provide nurturing care to young children, senior State officials and mid-level officials in the Department need to commit to and enable program implementation at scale.