This report provides an overview of the Pre-School Nutrition and Education & Rahat Support program, a collaborative effort between Kandhamal Zilla Sabuja Vaidya Sangathan and the Jivdaya Foundation (JDF). The program, aimed at addressing malnutrition and providing educational support to village children, operates in four centers located in Breakamala Village, Dabedi Village, Alimaha Village, and Tembuli Village, benefiting a total of 200 students. The centers operate from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and are community-managed.
Initiated in response to prevalent malnutrition in Kandhamal District, the program seeks to enhance the nutritional and educational outcomes of young children through targeted interventions. The collaborative effort underscores a commitment to community welfare and development.
Objectives:
The program focuses on reducing malnutrition, enhancing educational opportunities, improving overall health, and fostering community participation. By addressing these objectives, the initiative aims to create sustainable positive
impacts.
Activities and Achievements:
The program addresses malnutrition through the daily provision of milk and biscuits to all attending students, promoting healthy growth. The educational component emphasizes early childhood learning, with qualified teachers engaging children in literacy, numeracy, and social skills development. Furthermore, the program provides dresses and shoes to reduce barriers to education.
Community Involvement and Management:
Local communities actively manage the centers, promoting a sense of ownership. Community members play a pivotal role in ensuring the centers’ smooth functioning and serve as a vital link between the program and its stakeholders.
Impact and Beneficiary Testimonials:
The program has significantly improved the nutritional status and educational readiness of children. Beneficiary testimonials, such as Mrs. Patel’s from Breakamala Village, highlight the positive transformation and empowerment experienced by the community.
Challenges and Future Plans:
While acknowledging achievements, the report recognizes challenges such as sustained funding and the need for expanded outreach. The program’s future goals include exploring additional avenues for community development, extending support to more villages, and enhancing overall impact.
Conclusion:
The collaborative efforts of Kandhamal Zilla Sabuja Vaidya Sangathan and the Jivdaya Foundation have yielded commendable progress in improving the lives of 200 children through the Pre-School Nutrition and Education & Rahat Support program. The commitment of community members, organizers, and stakeholders ensures the program’s sustainability and expansion for years to come.
