A Success Story of Dumka District

 In Dumka, a progressive district nestled in Jharkhand, a transformative shift is underway in early childhood care & education, driven by the leadership of the Dumka district administration and the robust financial support from the District Mining Foundation Trust (DMFT). The district has undertaken a visionary project to convert 300 Anganwadi centers into state-of-the-art model playschools, creating nurturing spaces for children to learn, grow, and thrive.

The Vision: Holistic Development from the Start

Recognizing the critical role that early childhood education plays in shaping a child’s future, the Dumka district administration set out to upgrade the district’s Anganwadi centers into holistic learning environments. With a focus on early childhood education, health, and nutrition, the initiative was designed to address the multifaceted needs of young children, ensuring they receive a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Thanks to DMFT funding, the district successfully implemented a range of improvements aimed at enhancing both the educational and physical environment of these Anganwadi centers.

Key Initiatives and Transformations

1. Conversion of 300 Anganwadi Centers into Model Anganwadis

 The core of the project involved transforming 300 Anganwadi centers into model Anganwadis, equipped with the following resources:

Child-Centric Infrastructure:

• Bala Paintings were added to the walls, making the centers vibrant and
• Floor mats were laid to provide a safe and comfortable space for children to play and
• Plastic preschool tables and plastic kids chairs were provided, ensuring ergonomic seating for the

Play Equipment for Physical and Cognitive Development:

• Plastic slides and ride-on toys shaped like giraffes, elephants, and other fun animals were introduced to stimulate both physical activity and imaginative play.
• Outdoor swings with basket tunnels and climbing slides offer children opportunities to develop their physical skills while having fun.
• Plastic block sets and other toys were provided to enhance creative thinking, while plastic toys for physical activity, including basketball sets and cricket sets, fostered teamwork and coordination.

Storage and Organizational Tools:

• Each center received plastic book shelves and plastic storage boxes in playful shapes like apples to keep the learning space organized and clutter-free.
• Wooden wall toys with interactive activities were installed, helping children engage in learning through play.

Uniforms and School Essentials:

• Uniforms for both boys and girls, including shirts/t-shirts and half pants/tunics, were provided, along with school bags suitable for young children, shoes, socks, and woolen sweaters and pants for winter This initiative ensures that children are well-equipped and feel confident while attending school.

Learning Materials:

• Drawing books, color pens, and color clay sets were supplied to encourage creativity. Age- appropriate activity books for children aged 3-4 and 4-5 years, covering the months from April to March, helped foster a structured learning experience.
• Pre-school kits, containing pencils, sharpener, erasers, slates, wax crayons, doctor sets, kitchen sets, building blocks, dolls, flashcards, and other learning tools, were given to each child to enhance their cognitive and motor skills.

2.  Health and Hygiene Initiatives

To ensure that the children and mothers receive not only quality education but also adequate health and hygiene services, the following upgrades were introduced:

• Antenatal Care (ANC) Corners:

Each center was equipped with ANC examination tables with mattresses, double foot steps, a three-fold screen for privacy, and digital weighing machines for both mothers and children to ensure proper monitoring of health during pregnancy and infancy.

• Sanitary Napkin Vending Machines and Incinerators:

For adolescent girls and mothers, sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators were installed to promote menstrual hygiene and dignity.

• Mobile Connectivity for Anganwadi Workers:

To ensure seamless communication and better tracking of health and nutrition data, every Anganwadi worker was provided with a mobile phone, enabling them to enter data into the Poshan Tracker and remain connected to district-level health services.

3.  Formation of Digital Anganwadis

 In a major step toward integrating technology into early childhood education, 135 Anganwadis were transformed into digital Anganwadis. These centers use educational tools like fun activities, cartoon films, and interactive learning modules to teach children, making learning an enjoyable and engaging experience. This initiative has brought digital literacy to the youngest learners, preparing them for the digital age.

4.  Kitchen and Cooking Infrastructure

 To ensure that the children are provided with nutritious meals, each center received a range of cooking utensils, including:

• Pressure cookers, mixing bowls, vegetable peelers, cutlery, and kadhai to facilitate the preparation of healthy, balanced meals.
• Glassware, jug with lid, thalis with multiple compartments, and baby spoons were provided for serving meals to children in an organized manner.

5.  A Holistic Approach to Education and Care

The transformation of these Anganwadi centers into model playschools has had a profound impact on the community:

• Increased Enrollment and Attendance:

The upgrades have led to a significant increase in the number of children attending these Anganwadi centers, as parents are now eager to send their children to these well-equipped, vibrant spaces for early childhood education.

• Improved Child Development:

Children now enjoy a well-rounded education that includes play, creativity, physical development, and health monitoring. They are engaged with educational tools that make learning both fun and effective, building the foundation for future academic success.

• Community Health Improvements:

The introduction of health-focused initiatives, such as antenatal care, sanitation, and mobile connectivity, has led to improved health and hygiene practices within the community. These initiatives have empowered mothers and families to take better care of themselves and their children.

Voices of the Community

• Anganwadi Workers: “The change has been With better equipment, learning materials, and mobile connectivity, we can now provide better care and education to the children. It’s been a rewarding experience,” says an Anganwadi worker from Dumka.
• Parents: “We are so happy with the transformation. My child enjoys going to school, and I can see how much she is The uniforms, the books, and the toys make her feel proud,” shares Poonam Kumari, a parent.
• Community Leaders: “This project is a game-changer for the district. It’s not just about education; it’s about creating a nurturing, healthy, and safe environment for children to grow and Dumka is setting a benchmark for others to follow,” says a local leader.

A Model for the Future

The success of this initiative has set a new standard for Anganwadi centers in Dumka and has paved the way for similar programs in other districts. By combining educational, health, and nutritional support, Dumka is creating a model of holistic child development that can inspire other regions across the country.

A Bright Future for Dumka’s Children

With the transformative changes implemented by the Dumka district administration and the DMFT, these 300 model Anganwadi centers are more than just places of learning—they are nurturing environments where children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional needs are met. The future of Dumka’s children has never looked brighter.

Success Story Transforming Anganwadi Schools into Model Play schools