Objectives:
Integrate children from lower socio-economic class into the mainstream of society and foster self-confidence in them
Member Involvement:
- Junior and Senior KG classes based on syllabus of Chetan Balwadi, M.S. UniversityRegular nutritional focus and medical check-ups
- Celebration of festivals of various religions
- Regular field visits to expose children to different aspects of the city (gardens, bank, post office, bus stand, railway station, airport, offices, etc.)
- Meetings with parents
Frequency / Location:
Mon to Fri 9:00 AM to 12 noon at the FS campus
Friends Society runs a Balwadi for the economically underprivileged children from the neighboring community. It was started in July 1982 with the aim of integrating these children into the mainstream of society and fostering self-confidence in them. For a nominal fee, children between the ages of 3-6 years come together 5 days a week. The Balwadi was started and continues to work under the guidance of the Department of Child Development of the Faculty of Home Science. It is run scientifically and objectives are framed for its effective implementation taking into consideration the needs of the children. Annual planning of the activities is done for individual months. Currently there are between 30-40 children who attend the Balwadi.
The children are nurtured here through various regular academic activities like reading, writing, math, crafts, etc. Activities that build their motor skills such as beadwork, use of scissors, painting etc. are planned. The children are often taken out on field trips to places like the local zoo and park, downtown, local market, etc. The learning occurs largely through the “play-way” method.
Various issues related to health, hygiene and nutrition are addressed through activities like showing them actual fruits and vegetables, encouraging them to regularly wash hands with soap, outdoor play activities, and so on. The children are checked every week for cleanliness besides undergoing regular medical check-ups. A healthy meal is provided everyday as a part of the Balwadi activities.
The children come from different communities and are sensitized to each other’s backgrounds by celebrating together different festivals such as Diwali, Bakri Eid, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Christmas, etc. National holidays such as Independence Day, Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti, etc. are also celebrated to help them understand the concepts of patriotism and unity. Birthdays are celebrated to make the children feel important and special.
Regular assessments of children are conducted and assistance is provided to them if needed. Active interactions between the volunteers and parents ensure parents’ involvement. Parents are provided guidance through home visits and parent-teacher meetings. One of the cherished objectives of the Balwadi is to prepare a child, coming from a “have not” or marginalized family, for admission to a better school for formal education.