Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (ANK)
Bantwal, Dec 30: The state-of-the-art Navajeevana Anganwadi Kendra opened at Panemangalore on December 24 is a role-model on how an ideal Anganwadi (child care centre) should be.
In Dakshina Kannada district, it is common to hear complaints from parents regarding the dilapidated condition of Anganwadi their children are studying. Many Anganwadis lack basic facilities.
However, the newly opened Navajeevana Anganwadi Kendra is air conditioned, bears a modern look and is equipped with all required amenities.
MP Nalin Kumar Kateel along with Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik on December 24 had inaugurated the Anganwadi at Panemangalore, under the aegis of Department of Women and Child Development, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, Gram Panchayat Naricombu and Integrated Child Development Scheme.
The new Anganwadi centre has a balcony with seating facility, one hall, one kitchen, one store room and toilet. The entire Anganwadi has theme based paintings which is useful and helps learning among small children. Paintings of cartoons, animals, alphabets in English and Kannada, numerals and several other paintings help small children grasp concepts easily.
The outer part of Anganwadi has social messages painted, creating awareness on stopping child marriage, Beti Bachao Beti Padao, keep environment clean. The beautiful paintings are done by Janardhan and Suresh from Sri Arts.
The total cost of this newly constructed air conditioned Anganwadi is Rs 18.5 lac in which Rs 8.5 lac was government funds. The localities as well as local organisations have contributed to construct the model Anganwadi. At present 21 children are taken care by the teacher Meenakshi M.
Localities and local organisations have donated basic equipment such as air condition, television, fans and other such equipment.
Navajeevana Anganwadi Kendra was started in the year 1991. Later the Anganwadi was shifted to Satyadevatha Kalamandira in the year 2006. For 11 years the Anganwadi was functioning in Kalamandira before shifting to the new air conditioned building.
Speaking to daijiworld.com, teacher of Anganwadi, Meenakshi M says," As many as 21 children are coming to this Anganwadi. Air condition was donated by a localite but we are not making use of air condition because children here are small and air condition is not good for their health. We are in need of inverters, aquaguard, tables and playing equipment for the children.”
Speaking to daijiworld.com, president of Balvikas committee Ravindra said," Along with the government, several localities and local organisations have come forward in building this new Anganwadi centre. Be it AC, TV, fan, flag pole was donated by localities. Organisations have shown interest in constructing play area and garden in the premises of Anganwadi and discussion is going on. May be in a month or so the garden and play area will be completed.”