Project: Strengthening ECCD in India through Advocacy, Capacity Building and Research

Aim:

To research and raise awareness of the status of the young child and develop strategies for strengthening Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) services in selected States of India.

Region:

Karanjia, Orissa (CYSD); Bikaner, Rajasthan (Urmul Lunkaransar); Delhi (Mobile Creches)

Project Duration:

FY02-FY08

Total Public Funds Required:

AU$30,000 in FY08

Project Overview

Project Background

Children of vulnerable families in India are exposed to demands on their time and energy, especially in order to supplement family incomes. This deprives them of their right to a childhood with fun and play, with access to learning and health services, and the ability to create decisions for their own future. The State sees children as beneficiaries of development processes with little power to shape their own destinies, rather than as active participants with a voice of their own.

Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) is one of Plan's program priorities. ECCD programs are proven to have long-term sustainable benefits for children. Quality ECCD programs increase children’s lifelong chances of good health, educational success and psycho-social adaptation.

Project Aim

The aim of the project is to research and raise awareness of the status of the young child and develop strategies for strengthening government ECCD services in selected States of India. Plan is working with partners to improve the quality and extend the reach of ECCD in Orissa, Rajasthan and Delhi and there is a heavy emphasis on advocacy.

In Orissa, Plan is working with a local partner (CYSD) to establish quality centres with caregivers who have been trained in participatory learning and child rights.

In Rajasthan, Plan is working with communities to raise awareness about ECCD in rural villages and many people, including local government representatives, are assisting in the campaign to benefit all children with either centre based or home based ECCD.

In slum areas and on construction sites in Delhi, Plan is supporting Mobile Crèches to provide ECCD for small children whose parents (often migratory workers from other states) work on construction sites and who would otherwise be left with older siblings. The children are fed at least 500 calories per day and receive regular health checks.

Mobile Crèches is also involved in advocating for the rights of children and raising awareness about the need for ECCD, especially among migrant workers whose children desperately need the care and education that it provides. Plan’s support for Mobile Crèches is ongoing.

The Funding Need

This project is supported by a grant from AusAID, the Australian Government Agency for International Development and in FY08 Plan needs to raise $30,000 from public donations to match the grant.

If Plan receives more than the amount required, then donations will be transferred to the project for the next financial year or applied to other priority projects in need.

Photo Galleries

India: Early Childhood Care & Development

Images from areas supported by this program in Bikaner, Rajasthan and Dehli.

This album contains 16 photos.