Cooperation is at the heart of every Karuna-Shechen project. It unites the efforts of all those who work together to improve the lives of vulnerable communities. In the Anganwadi centres (nursery schools), this collective strength is brought to life through Early Childhood Development (ECD) and the creation of vegetable gardens, two initiatives that illustrate magnificently what mutual aid can achieve.
Driven by a shared vision
This project is based on a shared vision: that of a world where every child can grow up in an environment conducive to their development. In the Anganwadi centres, this vision unites educators, Karuna teams, the government, parents and communities around a common goal: to promote the holistic development of children through education, health and sustainable initiatives.
True progress happens when we come together-listening, sharing, and solving as a team. Cooperation isn’t just a value; it’s the driving force behind our program’s success.
Lakshmi Mehta, Education Program Manager in Bihar
The ECD program introduces a variety of educational activities, including educational games, to stimulate children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development from an early age. At the same time, vegetable gardens are set up in nursery schools, helping to improve children’s nutrition with fresh vegetables while teaching them about sustainable agriculture and collective responsibility.
A project in harmony with local initiatives
This project is fully in line with the national education programme run by the Indian government through its Child Development Scheme (ICDS). ECD Centers, which are official buildings run by civil servant educators, are the only place in the countryside that offers children resources for learning and development.
By working hand in hand with the local ICDS authorities, Karuna-Shechen has been able to train the educators to introduce equipment, methodologies and content conducive to children’s healthy development, as well as creating vegetable gardens. Karuna-Shechen now works in 210 ECD centres catering for more than 8,400 children in Bihar and Jharkhand.
The central role of educators
The educators are the pillars of these initiatives. Their direct link with children and their families makes them key partners. To strengthen their role, Karuna-Shechen offers interactive training courses that emphasise the importance of play in children’s development. Kanti Devi, a teacher at a centre in Bihar, shares: “When we started the early childhood program, it was a turning point. The training and resources we received helped us support children better. Now, they are more engaged, curious, and eager to learn.”
Shimu Rani Mondal, educator in Jharkhand, adds: “The Social Workers from Karuna-Shechen help us in teaching and managing the children and they also play with them. After the introduction of the ECD project, the average attendance of the children has increased, and their enthusiasm is evident at every session.”
Involved parents
Parents also play a crucial role. By taking part in the workshops and sharing their observations, they help to adapt the activities to the children’s needs. Sunita Kumari, an Anganwadi helper at Gangabigha, shares: “Parents often share what their children are curious about or what they find challenging. We take these insights seriously and adapt our lessons to match their interests.”
This link between the families and the program strengthens the children’s involvement. Shipra, a five-year-old girl, confides: “I love when my parents visit the center and see what I’m learning. It makes me feel good.”
The strength of a united team
Cooperation within the Karuna-Shechen teams is just as essential. Regular meetings enable ideas and feedback to be shared, guaranteeing an approach that is always adapted to local needs. Munni Kumari, a Community Health Mobilizer (CHM), explains: “At first, I felt hesitant to voice my ideas, but over time, I realized how open and supportive my colleagues are. Together, we find creative solutions to the challenges we face.”
Sita Kumari, Education Coordinator, highlights the collective impact of kitchen gardens: “This initiative has been greatly appreciated by both the Anganwadi centres and the parents. Thanks to the collaboration between our Outreach and Educational teams, thriving kitchen gardens are ensured and are used to prepare the mid-day meals for children”.
A sustainable impact that transforms children’s futures
Together, the educators, Karuna-Shechen teams, local authorities, parents and children create a virtuous circle. Every step forward, however small, is the fruit of a collective effort.
Cooperation is at the core of what we do. When we work together, we create something truly meaningful.
Sulekha Kumari, ECD Coordinator in Bihar
In the Anganwadi centres, this spirit of collaboration transforms not only the daily lives of the children, but also those of their families and communities. Through cooperation, the seeds of a better future are sown every day.
