Help us strengthen the capacity of our Field Coordinators working to strengthen the quality of Early Childhood Education (ECE) at Anganwadis

Through our flagship project, SHAKTI, we are enhancing the quality of Early Childhood Education (ECE) at Anganwadis. Currently, BELIEF is working with nearly 130 Anganwadis across Pune and Nashik.

ECE is a critical foundation for a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. In India, Anganwadis serve as the primary centers for ECE, catering to children from marginalized communities. However, the quality of education and care provided at these centers is often subpar due to multiple systemic challenges.

Field Coordinators at BELIEF provide regular on-site support to Anganwadi Workers, complemented by quarterly training sessions for teachers and helpers on the ECE curriculum, conducted by BELIEF. Their role comprises of visiting the field 5 days a week from 10 AM to 1 PM and then completing the admin/documentation/other work from the office till 6 PM.

The Field Coordinators play a crucial role in strengthening the functioning of Anganwadis, but their effectiveness is largely dependent on their own capacity, skills, training and well-being. To mentor Anganwadi staff effectively, they require a diverse skill set, including technical knowledge of ECE, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to drive behavioural change among workers who may resist new methods.

Their capacity building is essential to equip them with the skills needed to mentor Anganwadi staff, who face multiple challenges such as low education levels, lack of resources, resistance to change, and heavy workloads.

Some of the costs associated with capacity-building workshops include courses in Early Childhood Education, art, music, and drama workshops. These skills are essential for making learning enjoyable for children aged 3-6 years. Additionally, there are leadership and communication skills training workshops, which are necessary for effectively supporting Anganwadi Workers. Lastly, it is crucial to include wellbeing expenses, as the team's performance is tied to their overall well-being, making it essential to prioritize it.

Investing in the capacity building of our Field Coordinators is key to ensuring quality ECE for the 4,500 children (approximately) that we work with.