Region Demographics

• This region is home to granite quarry workers, who migrate from the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu

• The population of this village is around 1500

Project Description

The children accompany their parents to work and are forced to stay around the granite quarry, being exposed to the hazardous conditions there. The children, exposed to dust and chemicals from the quarry, are also susceptible to injuries because of falling/broken stones. They are deprived of early child hood care and exposure to schooling and learning environments. There is need to provide care for children in the 1-6 age-group as the women are working and unable to provide required care for the children.

Program Roadmap

Early Childhood Care Centers (Creche/Balwadi)

• Child care centers will be run all day from morning to evening
• Children aged 1 to 3 will be enrolled and cared for in Crèches
• Children aged 3 to 6 will be enrolled in pre primary centers (called Balwadis)
• There will be 6 to 7 such centers that will accommodate between 30 &40 children each
• Teachers and care-givers will be hired from local areas and trained on child care, nutrition and health activities.
• These centers will ensure that children’s nutrition and growth requirements are met, by providing food and monitoring growth charts
• The centers will engage children in age appropriate learning activities and inculcate the interest of education in them
• The centers will also hold community education sessions to spread awareness on basic health care

Financials

2007 Funding: $11,550

Supported by BEA Foundation

Accomplishments

• Opened 4 child care centers in the community catering to 120 children

• Each center has a teacher and helper, who engage the children in art, music and learning activities in addition to providing nutritional food

• Training on child care and education conducted for teachers and helpers